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FORD 


Some  papers  of  Aaron  Burr 


E 

302.6 

B9F6 


Some    Papers  of 
Aaron   Burr 

BY 
WORTHINGTON  C.  FORD 


Ex  Ilbris 
C.  K.  OGDEN 


ftmtrttan 


Some    Papers  of 
Aaron    Burr 


BY 


WORTHINGTON  C.  FORD 


REPRINTED  FROM  THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  AMERICAN  ANTIQUARIAN  SOCIETY 
FOR  APRIL  1919 


WORCESTER,  MASSACHUSETTS,  U.S.A. 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  SOCIETY 

1920 


THE  DAVIS  PRESS 
WORCESTER,  MASS 


v  r  «  *  TT"> 
SANTA  BARBARA 


f  fc 


SOME  PAPERS  OF  AARON  BURR 

BY    WORTHINGTON    CHAUNCY    FORD 

The  history  of  this  collection  of  some  ninety  letters 
is  this.  Matthew  L.  Davis,  for  many  years  the  friend 
and  trusted  adviser  of  Burr,  to  whom  he  left  his  papers 
in  order  that  a  memoir — a  euphemism  for  a  defence — 
might  be  prepared,  in  1839  gave  to  Mrs.  John  Davis 
of  Massachusetts,  at  her  request,  some  " autographs" 
selected  from  the  Burr  papers.  An  autograph  may  be 
an  historical  paper,  but  usually  it  is  not.  The 
autograph  hunter  is  contented  to  possess  a  signature, 
a  legal  document  with  seal  and  signature,  or  a  portion 
of  a  letter  cut  or  torn  from  its  context,  although  in  the 
process  the  ruin  of  a  fine  historical  paper  might  be 
caused.  What  the  Grangerizer  is  to  books  the  auto- 
graph hunter  is  to  manuscripts — a  pest  to  be  educated 
out  of  his  destructive  courses  or  to  be  restrained  from 
access  to  collections  of  papers.  Davis,  judging  by  his 
compilation,  had  no  just  idea  of  the  value  or  relation 
of  what  had  been  entrusted  to  him.  The  name  at  the 
foot  of  the  writing  he  judged  according  to  the  popular 
conception  of  individuals  in  history  entertained  in 
1839,  and  that  conception  was  wholly  wrong.  There 
were  as  many  collectors  of  hair,  last  words,  buttons, 
and  buckles  as  of  historical  papers,  and  a  letter  of 
Washington  had  no  more  value  than  a  letter  of  one  of 
his  generals  or  aides — which  was  no  value  at  all.  So 
limited  was  the  market  for  such  objects,  so  easily 
satisfied,  and  so  little  the  discrimination  of  so-called 
collectors  that  the  best  of  family  records  suffered  by 
attrition,  and  years  after  Davis  so  light-heartedly 
drew  on  the  Burr  bequest  to  gratify  the  caprice  of  a 
namesake,  Jared  Sparks  could  distribute  on  request  a 
state  paper  of  Washington  leaf  by  leaf.  It  was  as 


4 

intelligent  and  praiseworthy  as  a  mutual  distribution 
of  photographs — a  later  fancy  which  somewhat  relieved 
the  growing  pressure  for  autographs. 

If  it  is  assumed  that  Davis  had  no  true  idea  of  what 
a  manuscript  should  be,  valuable  for  its  content — and 
nowhere  has  he  given  evidence  of  possessing  such  an 
idea — then  the  righteous  indignation  of  every  student 
of  the  Burr  period  is  fittingly  directed  against  him. 
To  dip  casually  into  a  collection  and  select  almost  ac- 
cidentally a  few  papers  would  be  a  procedure  to  shame 
a  modern  investigator.  Like  the  haruspex  of  old  he 
must  most  carefully  examine  the  entrails  of  the  victim 
to  determine  the  course  of  fate.  Only  on  a  careful 
search  can  the  best  of  a  collection  be  found.  What 
must  have  been  the  Burr  papers  if  any  judgment  can 
be  based  on  the  haphazard  selection  of  these  auto- 
graphs! Name  some  of  these  pieces:  the  letter  of 
Roger  Sherman  announcing  the  appointment  by 
Congress  of  general  officers  in  the  Continental  army  in 
1775,  with  the  reasons;  an  important  letter  from 
General  Schuyler  to  General  Montgomery  (1775), 
letters  from  Charles  Lee,  Chase  and  Carroll,  Lincoln, 
Hull  and  Duer  to  General  Wooster;  an  address  in 
French  to  the  inhabitants  of  Quebec  signed  by 
Benedict  Arnold,  enjoining  them  to  accept  the  paper 
bills  of  credit  of  the  Continental  Congress;  a  holograph 
letter  of  Israel  Putnam  to  Margaret  Moncrieffe,  and 
Putnam's  letters  are  so  few  in  number  as  to  be  a  most 
sought  acquisition,  and  in  them  the  spelling  is  accord- 
ing to  Putnam  not  to  Johnson — or  anywhere  near  it; 
a  long  letter  on  military  matters  from  Alexander 
Macdougall  and  a  short  note  from  James  Rivington — 
was  he  a  tory  or  a  good  rebel,  or  both?  another  from 
James  Wilkinson — is  there  any  doubt  as  to  what  he 
was  or  deserved?  a  letter  from  Gallatin  and  a  few  lines 
from  Hamilton;  political  sheets  from  Caesar  A. 
Rodney,  Thomas  Jefferson,  Jonathan  Russell,  Isaiah 
Bloomfield,  Alexander  J.  Dallas,  Willett,  Thomas 
Truxtun,  John  Taylor  of  Caroline;  a  fine  letter  from 


Luther  Martin  to  Joseph  Alston  on  Burr's  imprison- 
ment in  Richmond,  and  examples  of  Theodosia  and 
her  husband,  of  the  Prevosts  and  of  Burr  himself.  If 
such  are  sample  pieces,  what  must  the  whole  Burr 
collection  have  been?  Did  it  contain  the  papers  of 
the  unfortunate — yet  fortunate  General  Wooster,  who 
did  not  live  to  meet  certain  defeat?  Did  it  contain 
the  records  of  that  rash  and  ill-considered  expedition 
of  1775-76  to  Canada?  The  sense  of  indignation 
against  Davis  increases  as  each  piece  is  noted.  How 
account  for  his  criminal  carelessness  in  permitting  such 
a  collection  to  be  lost?  It  was  a  crime  against  Burr, 
his  friend  and  benefactor,  and  it  was  a  crime  against 
posterity.  The  incident  gives  a  proper  measure  of 
Matthew  L.  Davis.1  Fortunately  the  Ms.  of  Burr's 
Journal,  when  in  Europe,  1808-1810,  escaped  destruc- 
tion and  has  been  adequately  printed  by  the  generous 
interest  of  Mr.  William  K.  Bixby,  of  St.  Louis.  The 
Burr  papers  as  they  were  can  only  be  fancied  from  the 
few  samples  that  have  survived.  This  volume  made 
up  for  Mrs.  John  Davis  thus  becomes  precious,  for  it  is 
more  characteristic  of  Burr  than  any  I  have  met,  yet, 
I  insist,  the  selection  must  have  been  accidental. 

In  another  way  these  letters  form  an  indictment 
against  Davis  and  all  his  kind.  He  took  unpardonable 
liberties  with  the  text  of  some  which  he  did  print.  I 
have  in  another  place2  tried  to  show  the  gradual 
development  of  the  editorial  function,  so  largely  a 
matter  of  conscience,  and  free  speech,  and  need  not 
again  specify  the  various  sins  which  were  in  favor 
when  Davis  too  successfully  edited  his  trust  into 
nothingness.  He  was  guilty  of  all  of  them.  Whatever 
was  thought  of  Burr  in  his  public  and  in  his  private 
relations— and  the  opinion  held  of  him  in  the  nine- 


'In  none  of  the  biographical  dictionaries  is  his  middle  name  spelled  out  and  he  ii 
invariably  referred  to  as  Matthew  L.  Davis.  Mr.  A.  J.  Wall  of  the  N.  Y.  Historical 
Society,  in  answering  a  letter  of  inquiry  on  the  subject,  finds  that  his  name  was  Matthew 
Livingston  Davis,  that  he  was  born  Oct.  28,  1773,  the  son  of  Matthew  Davis  and  Phebe 
Wells,  and  that  he  was  buried  in  Trinity  Church  cemetery. 

•American  Historical  Review,  XXIII,  273. 


that  of  Davis,  but  yet  much  was  required  before 
proper  estimation  could  be  had.  What  could  he  have 
turned  out  had  he  been  in  the  possession  of  the  wealth 
thrown  away  upon  Davis ! 

The  historian  who  discovered  Aaron  Burr  was 
Henry  Adams.  Alone,  Burr  had  been  studied  chiefly 
in  the  shadows  of  the  duel  with  Hamilton,  his  success- 
ful opponent  rather  than  rival;  in  relation,  Mr.  Adams 
placed  him  in  a  series  of  dramatic  tableaux  where  the 
high  light  developed  positions  which,  analyzed,  proved 
hitherto  unrecognized  qualities  and  possibilities.  His- 
tory is  not  merciless,  but  only  true.  Partisan  history 
is  not  only  merciless  but  untrue,  and  Burr,  a  politician, 
pictured  by  writers  of  pronounced  political  leanings, 
suffered  through  personal  qualities  which  demanded 
sympathy  without  having  deserved  it.  The  most 
complex  combination  of  elements  yields  to  chemical 
analysis;  it  may  be  measured,  weighed  and  broken  into 
its  constituents.  The  simplest  character  defies  analy- 
sis, because  there  are  no  absolutes,  no  definite  weights, 
no  uniform,  inexorable  combinations.  Unconsciously 
we  use  false  weights  and  measures,  for  we  use  our  own 
equipment  and  seek  to  apply  it  to  other  times  and 
other  persons.  Could  anything  be  more  misleading? 

Let  us  summarize  the  Adams  presentation.  He 
describes  Burr  as  of  "pure  Connecticut  Calvinistic 
blood"6  as  having  succeeded  in  lowering  the  standard 
of  New  York  politics,7  something  that  to  our  more 
experienced  generation  would  seem  impossible.  And 
then  passing  over  the  detail  of  twenty  active  years — 
Burr  was  forty-five  years  of  age  in  1801 — he  places 
him  in  the  United  States  Senate,  on  March  4,  about  to 
take  the  oath  as  Vice-President  of  the  United  States, 
but  one  step  below  the  office  which  the  interested 
flattery  and  trained  garrulity  of  midwives  have 
predicted  for  every  male  child  born  in  the  country 

•History,  I.  109.     Mr.  Chapin,  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  tells  me  that 
the  term  is  one  implying  reproach. 
'Ib.,  112. 


9 

since  Washington  first  took  the  oath  of  the  Presidency, 
and  for  which  Lincoln  and  Garfield  kept  alive  the 
traditions  of  humble  beginnings  and  glorious  endings, 
and  the  voice  of  pure  democracy  preaches  the  gospel 
of  equality  of  opportunity.  Here  is  the  picture: 

"  Another  person,  with  individuality  not  less  marked, 
took  the  oath  of  office  the  same  day.  When  the 
Senate  met  at  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  March  4, 
1801,  Aaron  Burr  stood  at  the  desk,  and  having  duly 
sworn  to  support  the  Constitution,  took  his  seat  in  the 
chair  as  Vice-President.  This  quiet,  gentlemanly, 
and  rather  dignified  figure,  hardly  taller  than  Madison, 
and  dressed  in  much  the  same  manner,  impressed  with 
favor  all  who  first  met  him.  An  aristocrat  imbued  in 
the  morality  of  Lord  Chesterfield  and  Napoleon 
Bonaparte,  Colonel  Burr  was  the  chosen  head  of 
Northern  democracy,  idol  of  the  wards  of  New  York 
city,  and  aspirant  to  the  highest  offices  he  could  reach 
by  means  legal  or  beyond  the  law;  for  as  he  pleased 
himself  with  saying,  after  the  manner  of  the  First 
Consul  of  the  French  Republic,  'Great  souls  care  little 
for  small  morals.'  Among  the  other  party  leaders 
who  have  been  mentioned, — Jefferson,  Madison, 
Gallatin,  Marshall, — not  one  was  dishonest.  The 
exaggerations  or  equivocations  that  Jefferson  allowed 
himself,  which  led  to  the  deep-rooted  conviction  of 
Marshall  that  he  did  not  tell  the  truth  and  must 
therefore  be  dangerous,  amounted  to  nothing  when 
compared  with  the  dishonesty  of  a  corrupt  man.  Had 
the  worst  political  charges  against  Jefferson  been  true, 
he  would  not  have  been  necessarily  corrupt.  The 
self-deception  inherent  in  every  struggle  for  personal 
power  was  not  the  kind  of  immorality  which  charac- 
terized Colonel  Burr.  Jefferson,  if  his  enemies  were 
to  be  believed,  might  occasionally  make  misstatements 
of  fact;  yet  he  was  true  to  the  faith  of  his  life,  and 
would  rather  have  abdicated  his  office  and  foregone 
his  honors  than  have  compassed  even  an  imaginary 
wrong  against  the  principles  he  professed.  His  life, 


8 

that  of  Davis,  but  yet  much  was  required  before 
proper  estimation  could  be  had.  What  could  he  have 
turned  out  had  he  been  in  the  possession  of  the  wealth 
thrown  away  upon  Davis! 

The  historian  who  discovered  Aaron  Burr  was 
Henry  Adams.  Alone,  Burr  had  been  studied  chiefly 
in  the  shadows  of  the  duel  with  Hamilton,  his  success- 
ful opponent  rather  than  rival;  in  relation,  Mr.  Adams 
placed  him  in  a  series  of  dramatic  tableaux  where  the 
high  light  developed  positions  which,  analyzed,  proved 
hitherto  unrecognized  qualities  and  possibilities.  His- 
tory is  not  merciless,  but  only  true.  Partisan  history 
is  not  only  merciless  but  untrue,  and  Burr,  a  politician, 
pictured  by  writers  of  pronounced  political  leanings, 
suffered  through  personal  qualities  which  demanded 
sympathy  without  having  deserved  it.  The  most 
complex  combination  of  elements  yields  to  chemical 
analysis;  it  may  be  measured,  weighed  and  broken  into 
its  constituents.  The  simplest  character  defies  analy- 
sis, because  there  are  no  absolutes,  no  definite  weights, 
no  uniform,  inexorable  combinations.  Unconsciously 
we  use  false  weights  and  measures,  for  we  use  our  own 
equipment  and  seek  to  apply  it  to  other  times  and 
other  persons.  Could  anything  be  more  misleading? 

Let  us  summarize  the  Adams  presentation.  He 
describes  Burr  as  of  "pure  Connecticut  Calvinistic 
blood"6  as  having  succeeded  in  lowering  the  standard 
of  New  York  politics,7  something  that  to  our  more 
experienced  generation  would  seem  impossible.  And 
then  passing  over  the  detail  of  twenty  active  years — 
Burr  was  forty-five  years  of  age  in  1801 — he  places 
him  in  the  United  States  Senate,  on  March  4,  about  to 
take  the  oath  as  Vice-President  of  the  United  States, 
but  one  step  below  the  office  which  the  interested 
flattery  and  trained  garrulity  of  midwives  have 
predicted  for  every  male  child  born  in  the  country 

•History,  I.  109.    Mr.  Chapin,  of  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society,  tells  me  that 
the  term  is  one  implying  reproach. 
'Ib.,  112. 


9 

since  Washington  first  took  the  oath  of  the  Presidency, 
and  for  which  Lincoln  and  Garfield  kept  alive  the 
traditions  of  humble  beginnings  and  glorious  endings, 
and  the  voice  of  pure  democracy  preaches  the  gospel 
of  equality  of  opportunity.  Here  is  the  picture: 

"Another  person,  with  individuality  not  less  marked, 
took  the  oath  of  office  the  same  day.  When  the 
Senate  met  at  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  March  4, 
1801,  Aaron  Burr  stood  at  the  desk,  and  having  duly 
sworn  to  support  the  Constitution,  took  his  seat  in  the 
chair  as  Vice-President.  This  quiet,  gentlemanly, 
and  rather  dignified  figure,  hardly  taller  than  Madison, 
and  dressed  in  much  the  same  manner,  impressed  with 
favor  all  who  first  met  him.  An  aristocrat  imbued  in 
the  morality  of  Lord  Chesterfield  and  Napoleon 
Bonaparte,  Colonel  Burr  was  the  chosen  head  of 
Northern  democracy,  idol  of  the  wards  of  New  York 
city,  and  aspirant  to  the  highest  offices  he  could  reach 
by  means  legal  or  beyond  the  law;  for  as  he  pleased 
himself  with  saying,  after  the  manner  of  the  First 
Consul  of  the  French  Republic,  'Great  souls  care  little 
for  small  morals.'  Among  the  other  party  leaders 
who  have  been  mentioned, — Jefferson,  Madison, 
Gallatin,  Marshall, — not  one  was  dishonest.  The 
exaggerations  or  equivocations  that  Jefferson  allowed 
himself,  which  led  to  the  deep-rooted  conviction  of 
Marshall  that  he  did  not  tell  the  truth  and  must 
therefore  be  dangerous,  amounted  to  nothing  when 
compared  with  the  dishonesty  of  a  corrupt  man.  Had 
the  worst  political  charges  against  Jefferson  been  true, 
he  would  not  have  been  necessarily  corrupt.  The 
self-deception  inherent  in  every  struggle  for  personal 
power  was  not  the  kind  of  immorality  which  charac- 
terized Colonel  Burr.  Jefferson,  if  his  enemies  were 
to  be  believed,  might  occasionally  make  misstatements 
of  fact;  yet  he  was  true  to  the  faith  of  his  life,  and 
would  rather  have  abdicated  his  office  and  foregone 
his  honors  than  have  compassed  even  an  imaginary 
wrong  against  the  principles  he  professed.  His  life, 


10 

both  private  and  public,  was  pure.  His  associates, 
like  Madison,  Gallatin,  and  Monroe,  were  men  upon 
whose  reputations  no  breath  of  scandal  rested.  The 
standard  of  morality  at  Washington,  both  in  private 
society  and  in  politics,  was  respectable.  For  this 
reason  Colonel  Burr  was  a  new  power  in  the  govern- 
ment; for  being  in  public  and  in  private  life  an 
adventurer  of  the  same  school  as  scores  who  were  then 
seeking  fortune  in  the  antechambers  of  Bonaparte  and 
Pitt,  he  became  a  loadstone  for  every  other  adventurer 
who  frequented  New  York  or  whom  the  chances  of 
politics  might  throw  into  office.  The  Vice-President 
wielded  power,  for  he  was  the  certain  centre  of 
corruption." 

Events  soon  showed  that  Jefferson  could  wield  the 
national  patronage  in  such  a  manner  as  to  paralyze 
Burr's  motions  to  strengthen  a  political  position  in 
New  York.  Local  appointments  tipped  the  scales  in 
favor  of  Burr's  rivals — the  Clintons — or  purchased  the 
desertion  of  his  supporters — the  Livingstons;  and 
scarcely  had  the  summer  of  1801  passed  before 
Jefferson's  own  party  in  New  York  had  been  hopelessly 
split  and  Burr  was  well-advanced  on  the  road  of 
opposition.  His  personal  dislike  of  Jefferson,  which 
was  cordially  reciprocated,  soon  led  to  open  insub- 
ordination. Under  dictation,  but  not  reluctantly, 
the  press  of  party  began  to  hound  Burr  from  public 
life.8  So  successful  was  the  attack  that  in  1804,  with 
retirement  from  the  Vice-Presidency  in  sight,  Burr, 
"  bankrupt  in  public  and  private  character,  abandoned 
by  his  own  party  as  a  man  who  no  longer  deserved 
confidence,"  turned  to  the  Federalists  for  support. 
He  gained  recognition,  aroused  the  jealousy  of 
Hamilton  and — we  all  know  what  followed.  It  is  not 
so  much  the  death  of  Hamilton  on  which  we  would 
dwell;  it  is  that  from  the  Federalists  Burr  gained  the 
idea  of  disunion.  Ambition  and  revenge,  directed 


•Adams's  History,  I,  279-283. 


11 

against  the  equally  ambitious  leader  of  the  Federalists 
and  the  even  more  astute  and  powerful  leader  of  the 
Republicans,  were  his  undoing.  In  the  flash  of  the 
pistol  on  Weehawken  heights  Burr  ended  all  chance  of 
regaining  by  legitimate  means  power  the  future  might 
have  held.  His  idea  of  an  independent  western  con- 
federation, even  of  an  empire  to  be  carved  from 
Spanish  territory,  was  splendid  imagery  approaching 
the  dreams  of  a  hashish  smoker.  So  far  from  con- 
sidering his  career  as  ended  when  acquitted  on  a 
charge  of  treason,  he  had  become  desperate,  and 
would  "  rather  sacrifice  the  interests  of  his  country 
than  renounce  celebrity  and  fortune."  Such  was  the 
opinion  of  the  French  minister.9  and  such  has  been  the 
verdict  of  posterity. 

This  cold-blooded,  selfish  ambition  which  so  over- 
reached itself  is  the  public  life  of  the  man.  Mr. 
Adams  very  properly  confines  his  treatment  to  Burr's 
public  career,  using  it  judiciously  as  a  foil  to  develop 
the  position  of  other  actors  no  more  scrupulous  than  he 
in  political  battle.  The  other  side — the  personal — 
is  better  told  in  Burr's  own  letters — those  to  his  wife, 
to  his  daughter  and,  if  rumor  and  Davis  are  accepted, 
to  almost  any  woman  who  was  presentable  and 
inconsolable.  It  is  difficult  to  reconcile  the  two 
aspects  of  the  man;  indeed  they  cannot  be  reconciled. 
Allowing  for  the  undoubted  exaggeration  of  his  faults, 
we  find  no  reason  to  discount  the  dole  of  his  virtues 
displayed  in  his  affection  for  wife  and  daughter. 
Theodosia  Burr  has  become  one  of  the  romantic 
characters  in  our  history — not  because  much  is  known 
of  her,  but  because  what  is  known  tempts  speculation 
on  inheritance  and  awakens  doubt  on  what  might  have 
developed.  To  have  surrendered  to  her  influence  is 
Burr's  chief  claim  upon  our  compassion. 

He  possessed  a  like  capacity  for  awakening  affection 
in  others — in  his  youth,  something  more  than  affection, 


•Adams's  History,  II.  402,  407. 


12 

an  unquestioning  confidence.  The  names  of  his 
adherents  in  1806  are  those  of  his  associates  in  1776 — 
thirty  years  earlier.  Wilkinson,  Dayton,  Ogden,  who 
were  with  him  in  the  Canada  campaign,  reappear 
themselves  or  in  a  son  in  the  New  Orleans  conspiracy. 
Yet  with  what  a  difference!  The  earlier  venture  is 
tinged  with  the  spirit  of  a  crusade,  that  lasting  force 
which  appeals  to  the  ages;  and  its  miserable  failure 
can  be  placed  largely  to  an  excess  of  zeal  which  had 
neglected  to  measure  material  difficulties  before 
presuming  upon  success  through  appeals  to  mutiny — 
to  disloyalty.  Montgomery,  Wooster,  and  the  lesser 
officers  died  in  an  effort  to  reach  an  " oppressed" 
people  who  did  not  want  to  be  saved  from  their 
present  governors.  Arnold,  Schuyler,  Hazen  and 
others  survived  that  effort,  making  reputations  of 
various  colors  by  their  service,  developed  later 
qualities  or  invited  experiences  which  left  them  in 
arrested  development  or  partial  obscurity.  It  was 
New  England  that  unjustly  hampered  Schuyler;  it 
was  ambition  deformed  under  a  sense  of  injustice  that 
gave  Arnold  his  undesirable  eminence;  it  was  poverty 
that  reduced  Hazen  to  helplessness. 

Burr  lived  to  share  a  combination  of  these  mis- 
shapen fortunes,  and  in  the  event  to  have  his  name 
linked  with  Arnold.  His  personal  bravery  was  not 
questioned — until  his  desertion  of  his  fellow-conspira- 
tors on  the  Mississippi.  His  ambition  kept  alive  a 
touch  of  idealism  which  had  made  the  crusader  in 
1775,  the  politician  of  1800,  and  the  schemer  after 
1804.  The  man  who  impressed  his  college  mates  and 
won  their  confidence,  was  the  same  man  who  gained 
such  control  in  New  York  politics  as  to  be  within 
sight,  even  touch,  of  the  Presidency.  The  man  who 
could  plan  the  overthrow  of  his  rival  in  political 
ambition  was  the  same  who  could  picture  the  carving 
of  a  kingdom  from  the  western  territory,  the  ousting 
of  Spain  from  an  empire.  Yet  whatever  motion  he 
embarked  upon  seems  to  have  been  undertaken  on  too 


13 

small  capital — a  reflection  of  the  Canada  situation. 
His  political  machine,  sufficient  for  the  moment,  broke 
down  when  its  strength  appeared  greatest,  because  his 
duel  with  Hamilton  rendered  its  further  growth  diffi- 
cult, if  not  impossible.  A  social  machine  which  is  for 
a  moment  arrested  in  motion  is  generally  stalled  in 
action.  His  attempt  to  detach  the  western  states 
from  the  union  failed,  because  he  aroused  somewhat 
late  in  the  day  the  opposition  of  the  United  States 
government.  Had  he  succeeded  to  his  content,  his 
means  were  totally  inadequate  to  his  object.  Spain's 
empire  in  America — only  a  small  part  of  which  Burr 
coveted — has  given  the  final  test  of  his  scheme  based 
as  it  was  upon  nothing  substantial.  The  long  and 
trying  passage  of  Spanish  possessions  from  colonies  to 
independent  states,  even  now  not  wholly  accom- 
plished in  some  after  nearly  a  century  of  effort,  proves 
how  little  chance  a  foreign  adventurer  would  have  had 
to  obtain  so  much  as  a  foothold  in  territory  or  making 
a  lasting  impression  on  the  population  of  that  territory. 
The  equally  long  list  of  attempts  to  gain  access  to  and 
alter  this  inert  but  combustible  material,  from 
Miranda  to  our  intervention  in  Cuba,  reduces  Burr's 
intent  to  foolishness.  By  poverty  he  became  an 
adventurer;  and  worst  of  all,  he  alienated  even  those 
who  in  personal  loyalty  or  from  interest  attached  their 
hopes  and  fortunes  to  his  career,  so  thoroughly  that 
it  was  literally  true  in  the  end  he  had  as  a  follower 
only  Matthew  L.  Davis.  It  is  one  of  Davis'  pecu- 
liarities that  he  blamed  Washington  for  not  favoring 
Burr — though  neither  he  nor  Burr  can  give  evidence 
of  a  personal  hostility  on  the  part  of  the  general  and 
president.  The  distrust  and  opposition  of  Jefferson 
and  others  are  well  established  by  the  records,  but 
they  were  incidents  in  the  career  of  any  ambitious 
politicians,  versed  in  the  methods  of  the  darker  side 
of  political  management.  More  suggestive  than  either 
of  these  forces  was  that  which  came  from  himself, 
making  Wilkinson  his  betrayer,  Dayton  treacherous 


14 

and  involving  all  concerned  with  him  in  perils  such  as 
obliged  them  to  desert  him  and  seek  their  own  safety 
at  the  very  time  when  he  most  needed  their  help  and 
countenance.  It  is  a  remarkable  history,  whether 
studied  on  the  lines  of  heredity,  of  development  of 
character,  or  of  performance;  and  few  public  characters 
in  the  history  of  the  United  States  offer  so  picturesque 
a  model  for  a  biography,  such  a  combination  of 
capability  and  sordidness,  ambition  and  power, 
ruthless  pursuit  of  great  ends  on  nothing  but  unstable 
personality.  Playing  for  large  stakes  the  cards  were 
against  him,  but  he  had  done  his  best  to  stack  them 
in  his  own  favor,  and  no  true  gambler  complains  when 
he  loses.  A  succession  of  failures  marks  the  salient 
points  in  his  career.  For  his  failures  he  had  himself 
to  blame;  for  our  ignorance  of  little  but  his  failures 
and  for  the  absence  of  a  possible  salvage  of  character 
we  hold  Matthew  L.  Davis  responsible. 

MATTHEW  L.  DAVIS  TO  MRS.  JOHN  DAVISXO 

NEW  YORK  25th  November  1839. 
MADAM, — 

Some  time  since  you  expressed  a  wish  that  I  would  select 
from  among  the  papers  of  the  late  Col.  Aaron  Burr,  a  few 
Revolutionary  Autographs.  With  others  of  a  later  date,  they 
are  herewith  presented.  May  I  be  permitted  to  ask  their 
acceptance  as  a  testimonial  of  the  profound  respect  entertained 
for  your  great  Worth,  and  rare  intellectual  acquirements,  by, 
Mada,  Your  most  Obt.  Servt. 

M.  L.  DAVIS. 
The  Hon.  Mrs.  John  Davis,  Worcester 

WILLIAM  PATERSON  TO  AARON  BURRH 

PRINCETON,  Thursday  Noon. 

[January  17th  1772.] 

DEAR  BURR, — I  am  just  ready  to  take  horse,  and  therefore 
cannot  have  the  pleasure  of  waiting  on  you  in  person.  Be 

10Eliza,  daughter  of  Rev.  Aaron  and  Lucretia  (Chandler)  Bancroft,  was  born  February 
17,1791,  married.  March  28,  1822,  John  Davis,  and  died  January  24,  1872.  See  Ancestry 
of  John  Davis  and  Eliza  Bancroft,  compiled  by  Horace  Davis,  San  Francisco,  1897. 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  36. 


15 

pleased  to  accept  of  the  inclosed  Essay  on  Dancing:  if  you 
pitch  upon  it  as  the  Subject  of  your  next  discourse,  it  may 
perhaps  furnish  you  with  a  few  hints,  and  enable  you  to 
compose  with  the  greater  facility  and  dispatch.  To  do  you 
any  little  services  in  my  power  will  afford  me  great  satisfac- 
tion, and  I  hope  you  will  take  the  liberty  (it  is  nothing  more, 
my  Dear  Burr,  than  the  freedom  of  a  friend,)  to  call  upon  me 
whenever  you  think  I  can.  When  I  shall  be  here  again  is 
uncertain;  perhaps  not  before  vacation:  forbear  with  me 
whilst  I  say,  that  you  cannot  speak  too  slow.  Your  good  judg- 
ment generally  leads  you  to  lay  the  emphasis  on  the  most 
forcible  word  in  the  sentence;  so  far  you  are  very  right.  But 
the  misfortune  is,  that  you  lay  too  great  stress  upon  the 
emphatical  word.  Every  word  should  be  distinctly  pro- 
nounced; one  should  not  be  so  highly  sounded  as  to  drown 
another.  To  see  you  shine  as  a  speaker  would  give  great 
pleasure  to  your  friends  in  general,  and  to  me  in  particular;  I 
say  nothing  of  your  own  honour;  the  desire  of  making  others 
happy  will,  to  a  generous  mind,  be  the  strongest  incentive. 
I  am  much  mistaken,  if  such  a  desire  has  not  great  influence 
over  you.  You  are  certainly  capable  of  making  a  good 
speaker.  Exert  yourself.  I  am  in  haste;  Dear  Burr,  adieu. 

WM.  PATERSON. 

Be  careful  of  the  inclosed;  it  is  the  only  copy  I  have. 
Mr.  Aaron  Burr. 

[Addressed]  To  Mr.  Aaron  Burr. 

[Memorandum]   William   Paterson   Princeton  Jan'y   17th 
1772.     Princeton. 

TIMOTHY  D WIGHT,  JUN.,  TO  AARON  BuRR.12 
DEAR  SIR, — By  a  poor  candle,  with  poor  eyes,  and  a  poorer 
brain,  I  sit  down  to  introduce  a  long  wished  for  correspond- 
ence. You  see  how  solicitous  I  am  to  preserve  old  connections, 
or  rather  to  begin  new  ones.  Relationship,  by  the  fashionable 
notions  of  those  large  towns,  which  usurp  a  right  to  lead  and 
govern  our  opinions,  is  dwindled  to  a  formal  nothing — a  mere 
shell  of  ceremony.  Our  ancestors,  whose  honesty  and  sim- 
plicity, though  different  from  the  wise  refinements  of  modern 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1  p.  41. 


16 

politeness,  were,  perhaps,  as  deserving  of  imitation,  as  the 
insincere  coldness  of  the  present  generation,  cousin'd  it  to  the 
tenth  degree  of  kindred.  Tho  this  was  extending  the  matter 
to  a  pitch  of  extravagance,  yet  it  was  certainly  founded  upon 
a  natural,  rational  principle.  Who  are  so  naturally  our 
friends,  as  those  who  are  born  such?  I  defy  a  New  Yorker, 
tho'  callous' d  over  with  city  politeness,  to  be  otherwise  than 
pleased,  with  a  view  of  ancient  hospitality  to  relations,  when 
exercised  by  a  person  of  good  breeding,  and  a  genteel  educa- 
tion. Now,  say  you,  what  has  this  to  do  with  the  introduction 
of  correspondence?  You  shall  know  directly  sir.  The 
Edwardses  have  been  always  remarkable  for  this  fondness  for 
their  relations.  If  you  have  the  least  inclination  to  prove 
yourself  a  true  descendant  of  that  (to  us)  respectable  stock, 
you  cannot  fail  of  answering  me  very  soon.  This,  was  I 
disposed,  I  could  demonstrate  by  algebra  and  syllogisms,  in 
a  twinkling;  But  hope  you  will  believe  me  without  either.  I 
never  asked  for  many  connections  in  this  way,  nor  was  ever 
denied,  but  once,  by  a  Jersey13  Gentleman,  originally  of  New 
England.  I  hope  the  disease  is  not  epidemical,  and  that  you 
have  not  determined  against  any  communication  with  the  rest 
of  the  world.  It  was  a  mortification,  I  confess :  for  I  am  too 
proud  to  be  denied  a  request,  tho'  unreasonable,  as  many  of 
mine  are.  Therefore  I  insist  upon  an  answer,  at  least;  and  as 
many  more,  as  you  can  find  in  your  heart  to  give  me;  promising 
in  return,  as  many  by  tale,  though,  without  a  large  profit,  at 
least  50  per  cent,  shant  warrant  their  quality.  I  am  Sir  your 
sincere  friend  and  servant, 

TIMOTHY  DWIGHT,  Jun'r. 
New  Haven,  March  I  don't  know  the  day  1772  Wednesday. 

[Addressed]  For  Mr.  Aaron  Burr  at  Nassau  Hall  in  Princeton 
New  Jersey.    Favoured  by  Mr.  Davenport. 

[Memorandum]  Timothy  Dwight  New-Haven  March  10th 
1772.     Princeton. 


"The  gentleman's  name  was  Allen,  with  whom  you  are  doubtless  acquainted.  I  wrote 
him  two  letters,  and  received  no  answer,  which  was  a  little  disagreeable  to  me;  almost  as 
much  so,  as  it  would  have  been  to  him,  to  have  answered  me. 


17 

SAMUEL  SPRING  TO  AARON  BURRM 

It  is  a  little  strang  to  me  that  I  have  not  heard  any  thing  of 
you  since  your  examination.  I  dont  know  but  you  are  turned 
back  and  out  of  College  too  since  you  are  so  bakward  to  write, 
however  I  will  if  possible  keep  such  thoughts  out  of  my  mind 
till  I  hear  from  you  in  particular.  If  you  are  let  down  a  peg 
lower  you  may  tell  me  of  it:  if  you  are  permitted  to  live  in 
College  you  may  tell  of  it;  and  if  you  are  turn'd  out  you  may 
tell  of  that  too;  if  you  passed  examination  and  have  a  Syllogism 
to  speak  at  commencement  if  you  are  able  to  make  it  I  suppose 
you  may  tell  me  of  that  likewise;  or  if  you  have  got  the  first 
oration  in  the  class  you  may  tell  me  if  you  mil  only  do  it  softly, 
indeed  you  may  tell  me  any  thing  for  I  profess  to  be  your 
friend.  Therefore  since  you  can  trust  me  so  far,  I  expect  you 
will  now  write  and  let  me  know  a  little  how  matters  are  at 
present  in  College.  In  particular  let  me  know  the  state  of  the 
society,  and  if  I  owe  anything  to  it  do  you  pay  it  and  charge 
it  to  your  humble  servant.  I  hope  you  will  write  the  first 
opportunity  as  I  trust  you  have  got  some  very  good  news  to 
tell  me  concerning  College  in  general,  and  I  hope  of  yourself  in 
particular.  I  have  nothing  remarkable  to  write  at  present; 
it  is  very  pleasant  to  me  where  I  am  at  present.  The  study  of 
Divinity  is  very  agreeable  far  more  so  than  any  other  study 
would  be  to  me  whatever.  I  hope  to  see  the  time  when  you 
will  see  it  your  duty  to  go  into  the  same  study  with  a  desire 
for  the  ministry.  Remember  that  that  was  the  prayer  of  your 
dear  father  and  mother  and  is  the  prayer  of  your  friends  to 
this  time,  that  you  should  step  forth  into  his  place  and  make  it 
manifest  that  you  are  a  friend  to  heaven  and  that  you  have  a 
tast  for  glory.  But  this  you  are  sensible  can  never  be  the  case 
if  you  remain  in  a  state  of  nature,  therefore  improve  the  present 
and  future  moments  to  the  best  of  purposes,  as  knowing  the 
time  will  soon  be  upon  you  when  you  will  wish  that  in  living 
you  had  lived  right  and  acted  rationally  and  like  an  immortal. 

SAMUEL  SPRING. 

[Addressed]  To  Mr.  Aaron  Burr,  Princeton,  N.  Jersey 
College. 

[Memorandum]  Sam'l  Spring,  New-Port,  May  15th,  1772. 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  62. 


18 

TIMOTHY  EDWARDS  TO  AARON  BURRIS 

STOCKBRIDGE,  February  llth,  1774. 

DEAR  NEPHEW, — Whether  you  study  law  with  Mr.  Reeve, 
or  your  uncle  Pierpont,  is  a  matter  of  indifference  with  me. 
I  would  have  you  act  your  own  pleasure  therein  altogether.  I 
shall  write  to  your  uncle  upon  it,  but  yet  treat  it  as  a  matter  of 
doubt.  Your  board  I  shall  settle  with  the  Doctor16  myself.  I 
will  send  you  cash  to  pay  for  your  horse,  as  soon  as  I  have  paid 
off,  for  my  oxen,  sent  to  the  Jerseys,  the  last  fall.  Two 
hundred  pounds  for  them  is  due  this  month.  When  that  is 
paid  you  may  be  assured  that  I  will  send  you  as  above.  You 
may  expect  it  on  the  fore  part  of  March.  If  I  had  known  of 
this  want  of  yours  sooner  I  would  have  paid  it  before  this.  We 
are  all  well  and  join  in  love  etc.  I  am  your  affectionate  Uncle 
and  Guardian, 

TIMO.  EDWARDS. 

Sally's  things  are  to  be  sent  by  the  first  sleigh. 

[Addressed]  To  Mr.  Aaron  Burr  at  Bethlem. 

JONATHAN  SERGEANT,  SEN.,  TO  AARON  BURR. 

PRINCETON,  May  24th,  1774. 

SIR, — I  received  yours  of  the  21st  Instant  and  observe  the 
contents.  I  spent  the  next  day  after  I  was  with  you  at  Doctor 
Wetherspoon's17  about  gitting  the  matter  settled  with  him 
about  the  rent  and  at  last  got  the  Judgment  of  one  man  that 
he  should  pay  Seven  pounds  per  year  but  have  got  no  money  of 
him  yet  and  he  is  gone  to  Philadelphia  so  that  I  cannot  speak 
to  him.  I  have  spent  some  time  examining  my  accounts  and 
find  nothing  due  from  me.  This  morning  I  went  to  Mr. 
Longstreets  to  enquire  if  he  had  any  but  could  not  see  him  he 
being  from  home  in  quest  of  money  for  you.  Doctor  Wether- 
spoon  says  he  has  an  account  against  you  which  he  expects 
will  answer  part  of  his  debt  and  the  remainder  I  will  git  him  to 
pay  as  soon  as  I  can  so  that  it's  uncertain  whether  any  will 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  46. 
'•Rev.  Joseph  Bellamy,  of  Bethlehem,  Conn. 
"John  Witherspoon  (1722-1794). 


19 

be  ready  for  you  this  week  or  in  a  very  short  time  or  not.    I 
am,  your  friend  and  humble  Servant, 

JON'N  SERGEANT. 

[Addressed]  To  Mr.  Aaron  Burr  at  Elizabeth-town.  By  the 
post. 

ISAAC  SEARS  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER.IS 

NEW  YORK,  14th  June,  1775. 

DEAR  SIR, — The  Troops  from  Cork  destined  for  this  City 
may  be  hourly  expected.  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you 
that  this  day  in  Congress,  it  was  moved  That  yourself  and 
troops  be  requested  to  encamp  within  five  miles  of  this  City. 
The  Motion  was  put  off  untill  to  morrow,  at  the  intercession 
of  the  Members  for  three  Counties,  and  you  may  be  assured  it 
will  be  carried  by  a  great  Majority.19 
I  am  Dear  Sir,  Yours  Affectionately, 

ISAAC  SEARS. 
To  General  Wooster 

ROGER  SHERMAN  TO  DAVID  WoosTER20 

PHILADELPHIA  June  23d  1775. 

DEAR  SIR, — The  Congress  having  determined  it  necessary  to 
keep  up  an  Army  for  the  Defence  of  America  at  the  Charge  of 
the  United  Colonies  have  appointed  the  following  General 
Officers  George  Washington  Esqr.  Commander  in  Chief, 
Major  Generals,  Ward,  Lee,  Schuyler  and  Putnam,  Brigadier 
Generals  Pomroy,  Montgomery,  yourself,  Heath,  Spencer, 
Thomas,  Major  Sullivan,  of  New  Hampshire  and  one  Green  of 
Rhode  Island.  I  am  sensible  that  according  to  your  former 
rank  you  were  intitled  to  the  place  of  a  Major  General,  and  as 
one  was  to  be  appointed  in  Connecticut  I  heartily  recom- 
mended you  to  the  Congress.  I  informed  them  of  the  Arrange- 
ment made  by  our  Assembly,  which  I  thought  would  be 
satisfactory  to  have  them  continue  in  the  same  order,  but  as 
General  Putnam's  fame  was  spread  abroad,  and  especially  his 
successful  enterprize  at  Noddles  Island  the  account  of  which 
had  just  arrived,  it  gave  him  a  preference  in  the  opinion  of  the 


"(1729-1786). 

"American  Archives,  4th  Sec.,  II,  1297,  1299. 

20Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  59. 


20 

Delegates  in  general  so  that  his  appointment]  was  unanimous 
among  the  Colonies,  but  from  your  known  abilities  and  firm 
attachment  to  the  American  cause  we  were  very  desirous  of 
your  continuance  in  the  Army,  and  hope  you  will  accept  of  the 
appointment  made  by  the  Congress.  I  think  the  pay  of  a 
Brigadier  is  about  125  Dollars  per  month.  I  suppose  a 
Commission  is  sent  to  you  by  General  Washington.  We 
received  Intelligence  yesterday  of  an  engagement  at  Charles- 
town  but  have  not  had  the  particulars,  all  the  Connecticut 
Troops  are  now  taken  into  the  Continental  Army.  I  hope 
proper  care  will  be  taken  to  secure  the  Colony  against  any 
sudden  invasion,  which  must  be  at  their  own  expence.  I  have 
nothing  further  that  I  am  at  Liberty  to  acquaint  you  with  of 
the  doings  of  the  Congress  but  what  have  been  made  public. 
I  would  not  have  any  thing  published  in  the  papers  that  I 
write  lest  something  may  inadvertently  escape  me  which 
ought  not  to  be  published.  I  should  be  glad  if  you  would 
write  to  me  every  convenient  opportunity  and  inform  me  of 
such  occurrences,  and  other  matters  as  you  may  think  proper 
and  useful  for  me  to  be  acquainted  with.  I  am  with  great 
esteem  Your  humble  Servant, 

ROGER  SHERMAN. 

P.S.    The  General  Officers  were  Elected  in  the  Congress 
not  by  nomination  but  by  Ballot. 
David  Wooster  Esqr. 

[Addressed]  To  Major  General  Wooster  of  Connecticut,  not 
at  New  York  or  Greenwich. 

Forwarded  by  Sir  Your  very  humble  servant,  John  Hancock. 
Philadelphia  27  June  1775. 

JOSEPH  REED21  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER 

Camp  at  CAMBRIDGE,  July  25,  1775. 

Sir, — I  am  directed  by  his  Excellency  General  Washington 
to  inform  you  that  yesterday  afternoon  3  Men  of  War  with  a 
number  of  Transports  sailed  from  Boston.  They  steer'd 
E.  S.  E.  after  they  got  out,  but  we  cannot  yet  learn  their 
destination,  or  whether  they  have  taken  off  any  part  of  the 
Troops  of  the  Enemy.  As  their  designs  are  so  much  unknown 

"(1741-1785.) 


21 

to  us,  and  it  is  possible  they  may  move  to  New  York,  the 
General  thought  proper  to  apprize  you  of  it,  that  you  may  be 
prepared  for  such  an  event.  This  he  would  have  done  with 
his  own  hand  but  he  has  been  much  indisposed  for  some  days 
past.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  and 
very  humble  Servant, 

Jos.  REED,  Sec'y- 

[Addressed]  To  the  Hon.  David  Wooster  Esqr.,  B.  General 
of  the  Troops  of  the  United  Colonies  of  North  America. 

[Memorandum]  Cambridge  25  July  1775.  Gen'l  Washing- 
ton's letter. 

JONATHAN  TRUMBULL  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER 

LEBANON,  16th  August,  1775. 

SIR, — I  have  your  favour  of  the  14th  instant22  per  James 
Lockwood,  Esquire.23  Am  of  opinion  that  your  return  to 
Harlem  with  your  men  will  be  best.  That  it  is  necessary  the 
Stock  on  Long  Island  etc.  be  secured  against  further  depreda- 
tion. Hope  the  people  and  their  force  there  will  be  able  to 
secure  the  same,  if  not,  should  rather  at  their  desire  and 
expence  to  furnish  some  other  Companies  from  the  Main — 
provided  they  can  be  spared,  which  is  probable.  Will  send 
your  Information  to  General  Washington. 

As  to  the  Rev'd  James  Lyon24  you  mention,  shall  leave  the 
disposition  of  him  to  your  prudent  direction.  Such  persons 
are  very  pernicious. 

My  Council  will  be  with  [me?]  tomorrow  shall  then  consult 
on  the  affair.  Am  oblidged  for  your  intelligence,  and  for  the 
service  you  have  done  the  Islanders.  I  do  not  get  any  intelli- 
gence of  importance  that  is  late  to  communicate. 

I  am,  with  Esteem  and  Respect,  Sir,  Your  Obedient  Humble 
Servant, 

JON'TH.  TRUMBULL. 

[Addressed]  To  Major  General  David  Wooster  at  Oyster 
Ponds  on  Long  Island.  On  the  Public  Service. 


22American  Archives,  4th  Sec.,  Ill,  134. 

'"Appointed  Secretary  to  General  Wooster,  May  1,  1775,  and  was  with  him  in  the 
Canada  expedition.     See  Dexter,  Yale  Biographies,  III,  193. 
"Sabine,  Loyalists,  II,  40. 


22 

PHILIP  V.  B.  LiviNGSTON25  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER. 
In  Provincial  Congress,  NEW  YORK  August  18th,  1775. 
SIR, — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  Paragraph  in  General 
Washington's  letter  of  the  10th  instant.26    In  consequence  of 
which  we  desire  you  to  return  to  your  Camp  at  Harlem  with 
the  utmost  speed  to  assist  in  the  Defence  of  this  City  and 
Province. 

We  are,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  humble  Servants, 
By  order,  O 

P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON  President. 

[Addressed]  To  Brigadier  General  Wooster  at  East  end  of 
Nassau  Island. 

SALLY  REEVE  TO  AARON  BURR. 

LITCHFIELD,  September  2d,  1775. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — When  Mr.  Philips  came  home  and  in- 
formed me  that  you  had  not  received  one  letter  from  us  I  was 
both  sorry  and  angry  sorry  for  the  hard  tho'ts  you  must 
entertain  of  me  and  angry  at  the  Post  for  acting  so  ridiculous  a 
part  and  he  has  serv'd  us  just  so  this  week  sat  off  with  [out?] 
coming  to  Lichfield  for  any  letters.  I  hop  you  will  not  think 
we  have  neglected  you  when  I  assure  you  this  is  the  6th  letter 
we  have  wrote  you  since  you  have  been  at  the  camp  if  you 
should  ever  receive  my  first  letter  you  will  then  see  my  senti- 
ments on  your  leading  a  Solders  life  you  will  allso  find  I  have 
promised  if  you  are  sick  or  wonded  I  will  com  and  see  you  and 
I  still  assure  you  that  the  frightful  nois  of  great  guns  nor  the 
tho'ts  of  being  in  a  Camp  shall  prevent  my  coming  if  either  of 
those  should  be  the  case  you  will  not  expect  a  long  letter  when 
I  inform  you  that  I  have  been  picklin  preserving  damsens  and 
makeing  jellies.  I  believe  you  will  think  it  a  pritty  good  days 
work  for  me.  I  did  not  know  of  this  oppertunity  'till  just  now 
or  I  sould  have  took  a  more  leasure  time,  one  peace  of  newes 
Mr.  Reeve27  and  I  are  become  great  milk  sops.  Do  write  som 
newes  we  are  starving  for  want  of  it  I  wish  you  woud  com  and 


"(1710-1792.)     Dexter,  Yale  Biographies,  I,  430. 
"American  Archives,  4th  Ser.,  Ill,  533,  536. 
''Tapping  Reeve  (1744-1823). 


23 

make  us  a  visit  if  it  is  but  a  day  or  two  tho  I  believe  I  could 
perswad  you  to  stay  if  I  coud  but  see  you.  I  am  tyred  so 
Good  by 

SALLY  REEVE. 
Bobb  sends  his  compliments. 

[Addressed]  To  Mr.  Aaron  Burr,  Cambridge. 

PHILIP  SCHUYLER  TO  RICHARD  MONTGOMERY. 

TYONDEROGA,  November  30th,  1775 

DEAR  GENERAL, — You  send  me  such  agreeable  accounts, 
and  so  very  frequently,  that  I  am  under  the  necessity  of 
scribbling  an  hour  before  day,  to  announce  the  glad  tidings  to 
my  superiors.  Prescott28  arrived  and  was  in  my  room  half  an 
hour  before  I  received  your  letter.  I  believe  he  could  easily 
perceive  that  I  knew  his  character,  and  I  had  an  opportunity 
this  morning  to  write  him  a  line,  in  which  I  declared  that  I 
thought  it  a  duty  incumbent  on  every  honest  man  to  do  to 
others  as  he  would  wish  to  be  done  by,  that  upon  this  principle 
we  had  always  paid  attention  to  those  whom  the  fortune  of 
war  had  put  into  our  power. 

The  settlement  of  the  Army  Accounts  will  be  a  laborious 
work,  and  it  cannot  be  compleated,  unless  I  have  the  pay  rolls 
of  every  Company.  I  wish  you  therefore  to  order  the  Captain 
and  Commanding  Officers  of  Companies  to  make  them  out  and 
send  them  to  me  as  soon  and  as  nearly  agreeable  to  the  inclosed 
form,  as  they  can,  the  Officers  and  Men's  pay  to  be  calculated 
from  the  day  of  their  inlistment  to  the  day  on  which  they  died, 
were  discharged,  taken  prisoners,  deserted  or  reinlisted,  without 
any  regard  to  any  former  pay  rolls  which  they  may  have  sent 
in,  or  which  may  have  been  paid  off;  on  the  back  of  this  roll  an 
indorsement  of  what  money  has  been  received,  by  whom,  from 
whom,  when  and  where.  And  as  many  of  the  men,  that  may 
remain  with  you  in  Canada  may  have  families  in  the  country 
and  may  wish  to  have  the  money  paid  here,  you  will  please  to 
order  the  Captains  or  Officers  Commanding  Companies,  to 
make  a  return  of  such  men,  for  which  I  also  inclose  them  a 
form.  You  will  have  so  much  business  on  hand  that  you  will 


''Richard  Prescott  (1725-1788),  who  was  captured  a  second  time  in  Rhode  Island  in 
1777. 


24 

not  be  able  to  attend  to  this.  I  wish  you  therefore  to  appoint 
some  person  that  is  a  good  accountant  to  see  this  necessary 
work  done,  and  to  make  him  an  allowance  adequate  to  his 
services,  for  many  of  the  Officers  are  incapable  of  doing  this 
properly. 

Be  so  good  as  to  let  me  have  a  return  of  your  new  establish- 
ment, that  we  may  be  able  properly  to  arrange  the  Officers  to 
the  Corps  that  may  be  raised  here,  to  march  into  Canada  as 
soon  as  the  Lakes  are  passible,  which  I  believe  will  consist  of 
one  thousand  men,  as  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee29  have 
agreed  to  report  that  number  to  Congress  as  necessary  to  be 
immediately  raised. 

When  I  mentioned  to  you  to  provide  Clothing  for  the 
Troops,  I  concluded  from  the  letter  of  Congress  of  the  12th  of 
October,  (Copy  of  which  I  did  myself  the  honor  to  transmit 
you)  that  the  clothing  was  not  to  be  deducted  from  their  pay, 
altho'  I  did  not  mention  this.  The  Resolutions  which  I  sent 
you  on  the  19th  Inst.  order  a  stoppage  to  be  made.  As  I  do 
not  know  what  promises  you  may  have  made,  I  suggested  to 
to  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee,  that  it  was  necessary  to 
say  something  to  you  on  the  subject.  And  they  are  un- 
animously of  opinion  that  if  the  stoppages  can  be  made,  with- 
out running  too  great  a  risk  of  prejudicing  the  service,  that  it 
ought  to  be  done,  especially  as  a  bounty  of  two  months'  pay 
is  given,  which  altho'  not  mentioned  in  the  Resolutions,  for 
that  purpose,  was  intended  to  enable  the  soldiers  in  Canada, 
to  pay  for  the  clothes  and  thereby  to  reimburse  them  for  the 
stoppages  to  be  made,  and  that  upon  the  whole  it  is  most 
adviseable  to  leave  this  matter  to  your  discretion,  not  doubting 
but  that  Congress  would  acquiesce  in  your  determination. 

I  now  transmit  you  some  additional  Instruction  of  Con- 
gress, part  of  which  you  have  already  actually  anticipated  and 
others  I  dare  say  you  have  already  determined  on. 

I  make  no  doubt  but  that  Capt:  Lamb30  will  be  properly 
provided  for.  I  will  do  everything  in  my  power  for  so  good  an 
Officer  and  have  begged  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee  to 
second  your  recommendation. 

"John  Langdon,  Robert  Treat  Paine  and  Eliphalet  Dyer.     Their  instructions  are  in 
Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress  (Ford),  III,  339,  and  their  report  in  Ib.,  446. 
"John  Lamb  (1735-1800). 


25 

I  have  made  Honorable  Mention  of  Colo :  Easton  to  General 
Montgomery  and  transmitted  an  extract  of  your  letter  to 
Congress. 

Inclose  you  some  blank  Commissions,  as  Mr.  Lockwood31  is 
now  Brigade  Major,  the  Commission  intended  for  Dimon32  is 
to  go  to  him. 

You  will  please  to  order  all  the  Salt  Petre  in  Canada  to  be 
purchased;  I  wish  a  prudent  person  to  be  employed  in  this 
business,  that  it  may  be  as  little  known  as  possible,  least  it 
should  induce  the  Canadians  to  think  that  we  were  in  want  of 
powder. 

Please  to  let  me  know  as  soon  as  you  conveniently  can,  what 
money  you  have  advanced  to  the  Connecticut  or  any  other 
Troops  and  for  what  purpose. 

General  Washington  has  desired  me  to  send  all  the  Cannon 
and  Military  Stores  that  can  be  spared,  to  Boston,  be  so  good 
as  to  let  me  know  what  you  have  in  Canada  and  what  you 
think  will  be  wanted  there  beyond  what  you  have. 

I  send  the  Sloop  and  Schooner  back  to  St.  Johns.  One  or 
the  other  of  them  I  wish  should  bring  the  Horses  that  I  sent 
Lieut :  Thompson  to  buy.  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  carry- 
ing Boats  into  Lake  George,  as  I  can  get  hardly  any  back  from 
the  South  End  of  that  Lake. 

Please  to  fill  up  Commissions  for  Macpherson  and  Renss 

The  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee  will  write  you  in  few  days. 
I  am,  Sir,  with  sentiments  of  Respect  and  Esteem,  Your  most 
Obedient  and  Very  humble  Servant, 

PH:  SCHUYLER. 
General  Montgomery. 

[Memorandum]  Tiond'a  30th  Nov'r  1775.  Gen'l  Schuyler 
with  N.  1.  and  2.  of  30th  Nov'r  1775. 

TAPPAN  REEVE  TO  AARON  BuRR.33 

STOCKBRIGE  January  27th  1776. 

DEAR  BROTHER, — Amidst  the  lamentations  of  a  Country 
for  the  loss  of  your  brave  enterprizing  General  your  escape 


31Lieut.  Samuel  Lockwood,  of  Waterbury's  regiment. 

S2David  Dimon,  aide  to  General  Wooster. 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  75. 


from  such  imminent  danger  to  which  you  have  been  exposed  has 
afforded  us  the  greatest  satisfaction.  The  news  of  the  un- 
fortunate attack  upon  Quebec  arrived  among  us  on  the  thir- 
teenth of  this  month.  I  concealed  it  from  your  Sister  untill 
the  18th  when  she  found  it  out  but  in  less  than  half  an  hour  I 
received  letters  from  Albany  acquainting  me  that  you  was  in 
safety  and  had  gained  great  honour  by  your  intrepid  conduct, 
it  gave  us  a  kind  of  happiness  that  I  should  be  very  loth  ever 
again  to  enjoy  for  it  never  can  be  the  case  untill  you  have  again 
been  exposed  to  the  like  Danger  and  have  again  escaped  it 
which  I  hope  may  never  happen,  to  know  that  you  was  in 
safety  gave  great  pleasure  it  was  heightned  by  hearing  that 
your  conduct  was  brave — could  you  have  been  crowned  with 
success  it  would  have  been  compleat.  It  was  happy  for  us 
that  we  did  not  know  that  you  was  an  Aid  de  Camp  untill  we 
heard  of  your  welfare  for  we  heard  that  Montgomery  and  his 
Aid  de  Camps  were  killed  without  knowing  who  his  Aid  de 
Camps  was.  whenever  you  can  pray  send  me  the  particulars 
of  that  transaction,  your  Sister  enjoys  a  midling  state  of 
health  she  has  many  anxious  hours  upon  your  account;  but 
she  tells  me  that  as  she  believes  you  may  serve  your  Country 
in  the  business  hi  which  you  are  now  employed  she  is  con- 
tented that  you  should  remain  in  it.  It  must  be  an  exalted 
publick  Spirit  that  could  produce  such  an  effect  upon  a  sister 
as  affectionate  as  your's.  As  to  news  you  will  be  acquainted 
with  all  we  have  before  this  reaches  you.  the  present  rein- 
forcement for  Canada  as  we  understand  it  is  one  Regiment 
from  Pensylvania  two  from  New  Jersey  one  from  New  York 
two  from  Connecticut  one  from  the  Massachusetts  one  from 
New  Hampshire  one  from  the  Grants,  our  eastern  privateers 
continue  very  successfull.  the  american  squadron  has  sailed 
from  Philadelphia  their  destination  unknown.  Your  affec- 
tionate Brother, 

T.  REEVE. 

I  expect  another  opportunity  by  Capt.  Seymour.     Do  not 
fail  to  write. 


27 

CHARLES  LEE  TO  DAVID  WOOSTEB. 

N.  YORK,  February  the  28th,  1776. 

SIR, — I  am  to  inform  you  that  I  am  appointed  by  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  to  the  Command  of  the  Troops  in  Canada.34 
I  hope  and  dare  say  we  shall  agree  well  together.  I  must 
request  you  immediately  to  contract  and  grind  into  flour 
twenty  thousand  bushels  of  Wheat.  I  must  also  desire  that 
you  will  suffer  the  Merchants  of  Montreal  to  send  none  of 
their  woolen  Cloths  out  of  the  Town,  the  post  is  just  going 
out.  I  must  therefore  conclude,  Sir,  Yours, 

CHARLES  LEE, 

Major  General. 

I  have  orderd  twelve  twelve  pounders  from  Crown  Point  to 
Sorrel.  I  leave  it  to  your  discretion  whether  it  would  not  be 
prudent  before  it  is  too  late  in  the  season  to  send  em  to  the  falls 
of  Richlieu  where  it  appears  to  me,  you  ought  to  establish  a 
Post. 

[Addressed]  To  Brigadier  General  Worcester,  Montreal. 
On  Public  Service. 

ADDRESS  OF  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

Aux  Habitans  du  District  de  Quebec. 

Vu  la  rarete"  actuelle  des  espe"ces  d'or  et  d'argent,  et  les 
Depenses  excessives  que  nous  sommes  journellement  obliges 
de  faire  pour  Tentretien  de  notre  Arme'e  devant  Quebec, 
Nous  avons  juge"  a  propos  de  dormer  cours  dans  le  public  a 
une  Quantit6  necessaire  de  Targent  de  Carton  e"tabli  par 
Ordre  de  1'honorable  Congres,  sur  le  Credit  universel  des 
Colonies  unies  du  Continent:  Assurant  par  la  pr^sente  Publi- 
cation tous  ceux  a  qui  il  appartiendra,  que  le  dit  Papier  ou 
carton,  ainsi  issu  par  Ordonance  du  Congres,  aura  libre  Cours 
dans  toute  I'^tendue  de  nos  Colonies,  et  y  sera  regu  en  paye- 
ment  selon  sa  Valeur  nominale,  ainsi  qu'elle  se  trouve  marquee 
sur  le  dit  Papier  ou  Carton.  De*clarons  en  outre  par  ces 
Pre"sentes,  que  quiconque  donnera  Cours  au  dit  Argent  du 
Congres,  en  recevra  dans  1'espace  de  3  ou  4  Mois  de  la  datte 
de  la  Pre"sente,  le  Montant  en  Or  et  en  Argent.  Come  au 


MMarch  1  he  was  ordered  to  the  Southern  Department. 


28 

contraire,  toute  Personne  qui  refusera  de  le  recevoir  au  Cours 
et  sans  aucun  De'compte,  sera  consider^  comme  un  Ennemi 
des  Colonies  unies,  et  traitte  comme  tel. 

Donne"  sous  notre  signature  et  le  s<jeau  de  nos  Armes  au 
Quartier  ge'ne'ral  ce  4e  Mars  1776. 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

Brigadier  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army 
before  Quebec. 

DAVID  WOOSTER  TO  HECTOR  McNEiL.35 

Camp  before  QUEBEC,  April  23d  1776. 

DEAR  SIR, — Your  favour  of  yesterday  I  have  received  and 
say  in  answer,  I  still  hope  notwithstanding  the  infinite  number 
of  difficulties  of  every  kind  that  we  have  to  encounter  from 
almost  every  quarter,  that  we  shall  be  able  finally  to  prevail. 
You  observe  very  justly  that  every  piece  of  duty  is  undertaken 
and  executed  with  a  strange  indifference,  that,  too  truly  has 
been  the  case,  ever  since  I  have  been  here,  indeed  it  has  been 
an  arduous  task  even  to  keep  the  troops  upon  the  ground  and 
I  have  hardly  been  able  to  have  a  single  Order  properly  exe- 
cuted, almost  every  day  discovers  new  traitors  even  in  our 
bosoms  who  endeavour  to  frustrate  all  our  designs.  I  have 
great  reason  to  mistrust  Cap'n  Pepper.  I  shall  therefore  send 
him  away  prisoner  with  his  vessel  up  the  River,  he  has 
repeatedly  broke  his  word  and  disappointed  me  in  business 
which  he  has  undertaken  to  perform  and  from  many  circum- 
stances I  have  reason  to  believe  he  wished  to  have  omitted. 

Notwithstanding  all  these  discouraging  circumstances  which 
are  enough  to  make  the  heart  of  a  man  of  sentiment  and 
sensibility  bleed  for  his  country,  yet  let  us  make  the  best  of 
our  situation.  I  am  confident  that  a  few  days  will  put  a  very 
different  face  upon  our  affairs.  We  certainly  shall  have  in  a 
very  few  days  a  large  reinforcement  of  men  artillery  stores 
and  I  hope  every  thing  necessary  for  our  future  opperations. 

I  have  ordered  Cap'n  Palmer  to  send  off  all  the  vessels  from 
Point  au  Tremble  up  the  River  except  the  Maria  which  I  shall 
immediately  man  and  arm  in  such  a  manner  as  I  hope  she  will 
be  able  to  defend  herself  and  perhaps  do  us  some  service  below. 

"A  captain  in  the  Continental  Navy. 


29 

I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  you  if  you  advise  and  direct  such 
parties  as  may  be  sent  to  Point  au  Tremble  in  such  a  manner 
as  you  think  conducive  to  the  public  safety,  and  all  Officers  of 
parties  will  obey  your  directions.  I  am  Sir  in  haste  with  the 
greatest  esteem  and  regard  your  sincere  friend  and  very 
humble  Servant, 

DAVID  WOOSTER. 
My  compliments  to  Mrs.  McNeil  and  family. 

P.S.  Sir  I  understand  by  Cap'n  Palmer  and  by  Cap'n 
Church  that  the  vessels  have  been  neglected  from  a  dispute 
among  some  of  the  Officers  about  who  commands.  I  have  now 
told  them  to  take  their  orders  from  you.  I  beg,  Sir,  if  your 
health  will  permit,  that  you  would  send  for  the  Officers  and 
direct  each  to  his  proper  business  that  the  vessels  may  imme- 
diately be  got  ready  and  sent  off  and  they  are  hereby  ordered 
strictly  to  obey  your  instructions  as  they  will  answer  the 
contrary  as  disobedience  of  my  Orders. 

D.  WOOSTER,  B.  Gen'l. 

[Addressed]  To  Cap'n  Hector  McNeil,  Point  au  Tremble. 
Per  Cap'n  Palmer.  On  the  Service  of  the  Colonies. 

SAMUEL  CHASE  AND  CHARLES  CARROLL  OF  CARROLLTON36  TO 
DAVID  WOOSTER. 

MONTREAL,  25th  May,  1776. 

SIR, — We  think  it  would  be  proper  for  you  to  issue  an  order 
to  the  town  Major  to  wait  on  the  Merchants  or  others  having 
provisions  or  merchandize  for  sale  and  request  a  delivery  of 
what  our  troops  are  in  immediate  want  of  offering  to  give  a 
receipt  expressing  the  quantity  delivered  and  engaging  the 
faith  of  the  united  Colonies  for  payment,  and  on  refusal  we 
think  our  necessity  requires  that  force  should  be  used  to  com- 
pel a  delivery. 

Your  most  obedient  humble  Servants, 

SAMUEL  CHASE 
CH.  CARROLL  OF  CARROLLTON. 


"Members  of  a  committee  of  the  Continental  Congress. 


30 

WILLIAM  PATERSON  TO  AARON  BuRR37 

NEW  BRUNSWICK,  July  22d,  1776. 

MY  DEAR  BURR, — I  did  myself  the  pleasure  of  writing  you 
by  my  brother,  who  is  in  General  Sullivan's  Brigade,  and  who 
was  in  expectation  of  seeing  you,  as  he  was  destined  for  the 
Canada  Department.  Indeed  from  the  Friendship  which 
subsisted  between  us  I  was  in  expectation  of  hearing  frequently 
from  you;  and,  to  tell  the  truth,  was  not  a  little  mortified,  that 
I  was  passed  over  in  silence.  Why  Burr  all  this  negligence? 
I  dare  not  call  it  forgetfulness;  for  I  cannot  bear  the  thought 
of  giving  up  my  place  in  your  esteem.  I  rejoiced  at  your 
return,  and  congratulate  you  on  your  promotion.  I  was 
attending  the  Convention  at  Burlington  when  you  passed  on 
to  Philadelphia,  and  was  full  of  the  pleasing  hope  of  having  an 
interview  with  you; — the  Delaware  indeed  ran  between  us; 
a  mighty  obstacle  to  be  sure!  I  enquired  when  you  designed  to 
return,  that  I  might  plant  myself  at  Bristol,  and  intercept  you 
on  your  way.  The  enquiry  was  of  no  avail.  I  have  at  times 
been  violently  tempted  to  write  you  a  railing  letter;  and  for 
that  purpose  have  more  than  once  taken  up  the  pen:  but  I  can 
hardly  tell  how,  on  such  occasions  the  Genius  of  Friendship 
would  rise  up  to  view,  and  soften  me  down  into  all  the  tender- 
ness of  affectionate  sorrow;  perhaps  because  I  counted  you  as 
lost.  I  find  I  must  e'en  forgive  you;  but  remember,  you  must 
behave  better  in  future.  Do  write  me  now  and  then;  your 
letters  will  give  me  unfeigned  pleasure;  and,  for  your  en- 
couragement, I  promise  to  be  a  faithful  correspondent.  In 
the  letter-way  you  used  to  be  extremely  careless;  you  know  I 
am  in  that  respect  of  a  different  turn. 

This  will  be  handed  you  by  Mr.  Hugg  and  Mr.  Learning, 
Members  of  our  Convention,  whom  curiosity  partly,  and 
partly  business  have  impelled  to  New  York.  As  men  they  are 
genteel,  sensible,  and  deserving;  as  politicians  they  are  worthy 
of  your  regard,  for  they  possess  the  genuine  Spirit  of  Whiggism. 
They  have  no  acquaintance  in  York;  they  are  desirous  of 
seeing  the  Fortifications,  and  other  things  in  the  military  line : 
pray  take  them  by  the  hand;  and  be  assured,  that  any  kindness 


•'Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  83. 


31 

shewn  them  will  be  acknowledged  as  an  additional  obligation 
conferred  upon  your  affectionate 

WM.  PATERSON. 
Major  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Major  Aaron  Burr,  Aid-de-camp  to  General 
Putnam,  New  York.  Favored  by  Messrs.  Hugg  and  Learning. 

[Judge  Paterson,  Supreme  Court  U.  States.] 

ISRAEL  PUTNAM  TO  MARGARET  MONCRIEFFE 

NEW  YORK  the  28  of  July  1776. 

DEAR  MAM, — I  must  beag  your  pardon  for  not  answering 
your  leators  sooner  but  the  reason  was  becaus  I  did  not  know 
how  to  giue  you  an  answer,  and  not  becaus  Majr.  Moncref  did 
not  giue  me  my  titel  for  I  dont  regard  that  in  the  least  but  am 
willing  to  do  him  or  any  of  his  any  kind  offes  lays  in  my  power 
not  with  standing  our  political  disputs  for  I  know  let  his 
sentements  be  what  they  will  he  must  fight  and  am  well 
assured  we  shal  fight  sooner  then  giue  up  our  Libertys  acording 
to  your  desier  I  haue  ben  trieng  to  git  leaue  for  you  to  go  to 
Stratons  Island  for  that  eand  haue  waited  one  his  Exelancy 
for  liberty  for  you  to  go  his  answer  was  that  when  the  larst 
flag  was  up  hear  that  Collo  paten  said  he  had  it  in  his  power  to 
offor  to  excheng  marstor  Louel  for  Gouenor  Skeen  the  Ginrol 
had  no  power  to  excheng  any  prisnors  without  the  leaue  of 
Congres  but  would  send  to  Congres  for  leaue  and  did  not 
doubt  but  that  thay  would  consent  and  he  told  me  I  might  tel 
you  that  if  thay  did  mak  the  excheng  you  might  go  with 
Gouenor  Sken  but  would  not  seand  a  flag  one  porpose. 

yesterday  Majir  Leauenston  was  hear  and  said  you  had  a 
mind  to  com  to  New  york  but  all  th[e]  lades  of  his  acquantonc 
was  gon  out  of  town  and  asked  my  consent  for  your  comming 
hear  as  Mir'st  Putnam  and  two  Daughtors  are  hear  be  as- 
sured if  you  wil  com  you  shall  be  hartely  welcom  and  I  think 
much  more  likely  to  acomplesh  the  eand  you  wish  for  that  is 
to  see  your  father. 

I  am  with  the  gratest  respects  yours  etc. 

ISRAEL  PuTNAM38 


88This  is  a  holograph  letter,  but  the  letter  that  was  sent,  probably  rewritten  by  Burr,  is 
entirely  different  as  may  be  seen  by  consulting  the  Memoirs  of  Burr,  I,  88. 


32 

THEODORE  SEDGWICK  TO  AARON  BuRR.39 

SHEFFIELD  7  August  1776 

MY  DEAR  BURR, — If  you  remember  some  eighteen  months 
since  you  and  I  mutually  engaged  to  correspond  by  letter.  I 
told  you  then,  and  again  repeat  it  that  you  was  not  to  expect 
any  thing  either  entertaining,  or  in  any  degree  worth  the 
trouble  of  perusing,  what  can  any  reasonable  being  expect 
from  an  inhabitant  of  such  an  obscure,  remote,  dead  and  dirty 
place  as  Sheffield  to  amuse,  instruct  or  even  to  merit  the 
attention  of  a  young,  gay,  enterprising  martial  genius?  I 
know  you  will  expect  nothing  and  I  dare  pawn  my  honor  there- 
fore that  you  will  not  either  now  or  in  future  in  this  respect  be 
disappointed. 

You  recollect  perhaps  that  when  I  had  the  pleasure  to  see 
you  here  I  informed  you  of  a  design  to  visit  New  York  and  the 
southward  soon  after,  but  my  business  immediately  called  me 
to  Boston  and  on  my  return  I  was  obliged  to  go  with  the 
Malitia  to  Peekskill,  from  there  should  have  visited  New  York 
and  my  friends  there  had  not  some  foolish  accidents  prevented. 
I  now  think  (as  soon  as  I  can  leave  home)  of  making  a  tour 
there,  but  this  like  other  futurities  is  wholly  uncertain. 

The  very  insignificant  figure  I  make  in  my  own  opinion  in 
this  day  of  political  and  martial  exertions  is  a  very  humbling 
consideration,  to  be  stoically  indiferent  to  the  great  events 
that  are  now  unfolding  is  altogether  inconsistent  not  only  with 
my  inclination,  but  even  with  my  natural  constitution,  and  to 
pursue  a  line  of  conduct  which  indicates  such  a  disposition,  I 
mean  my  continuance  at  home  at  this  time,  (destitute  of 
business)  is  a  mistery  for  which,  (remember  I  mean  not  to  libel 
the  Colony  to  which  I  belong)  I  will  endeavor  to  account, 
amidst  the  confusion  which  was  at  once  the  cause  and  conse- 
quence of  a  dissolution  of  Government,  men's  minds  as  well 
as  actions  became  regardless  of  all  legal  restraint,  all  power 
reverted  into  the  hands  of  the  people,  who  were  determined 
that  every  one  should  be  convinced  that  the  People  were  the 
fountain  of  all  honor,  the  first  thing  they  did  was  to  withdraw 
all  confidence  from  every  one  who  had  ever  any  connection 
with  Government,  the  necessity  of  which  was  even  called  in 

"Printed  in  Davia's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  92. 


33 

question.  Lawyers  were  universally  almost  represented  as  the 
pest  of  society,  all  persons  who  would  pay  court  to  these 
extravagant  and  unreasonable  prejudices  became  their  idols. 
Abilities  were  represented  as  dangerous  and  Learning  as  a 
Crime  or  rather  the  certain  forerunner  of  all  political  extrava- 
gances, they  really  demonstrated  that  they  were  possessed 
of  creating  power,  for  by  the  Word  of  their  Power  they  created 
great  men  out  of  nothing,  but  I  cannot  say  that  all  was  very  well. 
observing  these  violent  symtoms,  I  could  not  persue  that  which 
was  the  only  road  to  preferment,  and  I  have  never  had  an 
offer  to  go  into  the  Army  except  the  one  I  accepted,  while  I 
have  seen  in  more  than  one  instance  men  honored  with  the 
command  of  a  Regiment  for  heading  mobbs.  well  this  poor 
stuff  I  believe  has  troubled  you  long  enough,  pray  say  you 
what  is  it  to  me  why  you  have  not  been  in  the  Army?  why 
nothing  my  dear  Friend,  but  it  is  something  to  me.  you  know 
my  Dear  Burr  I  love  you  or  I  should  not  submit  such  nonsence 
to  your  perusal,  if  Mr.  Swift  still  lives  give  him  my  best 
compliments.  Pamela  desires  me  to  tell  you  she  loves  you. 
Answer  this  letter  and  thereby  oblige  your  sincere  Friend, 

THEODORE  SEDGWICK. 

[Memorandum]  Theod.  Sedgwick  Aug.  7th  1776.  Rec'd 
Aug.  llth  N.  York. 

JOSEPH  SPENCER  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER 

NORTH  CASTLE,^  3d  December,  1776 

DEAR  GENERAL, — I  have  sent  a  light  horseman  to  know 
whether  you  have  any  further  intelegence  from  the  Enemy 
since  yesterday.  Trust  that  you  reconnoiter  the  Estern  or 
Seaside  Road.  I  keep  constant  scouts  out  in  the  seuerval 
roads  from  the  North  River  to  the  post  road  from  White  plain 
towards  the  Enemy,  we  have  deserters  from  Rogers  of  late 
daly  one  or  more,  by  their  accounts  he  continues  yet  where  he 
has  been  for  some  time  which  is  about  a  mile  and  half  from 
Kings  bridge  on  the  post  road,  the  late  accounts  of  the  deser- 
ters is  that  he  is  about  mouing  but  uncertain  where. 

I  designd  to  have  made  you  a  visit  before  now  so  that  we 
might  have  had  opportunity  to  have  confer'd  on  the  subject  of 

«°Westchester  county. 


34 

scouts  and  other  proper  measures  of  defence  but  as  I  am  at 
present  full  of  business  and  expect  soon  to  moue,  fear  I  shall 
not  haue  the  pleasure  of  waiting  on  you  soon.  I  am  Sir  your 
humble  Servant, 

Jos.  SPENCER. 
M :  Gen'l  Worster. 

BENJAMIN  LINCOLN    TO    DAVID    WOOSTER    AND     SAMUEL 
HOLDEN  PARSONS. 

NORTH  CASTLE,  January  12,  1777. 

DEAR  GENERAL, — The  Massachusetts  troops  are  fast  col- 
lecting here.  Matters  are  ripening.  I  expect  we  may  soon 
proceed  to  Kingsbridge.  It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that 
the  particular  state  of  each  division  be  known  to  the  other. 
We  therefore  have  forwarded  this  by  express  and  beg  to  know 
what  number  you  have  and  may  in  a  day  or  two  expect;  What 
quantity  of  ammunition — What  stores  of  provision  and  what 
are  now  your  ideas  of  our  intended  expedition. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  be  here  with  General  Scot  who  joins 
with  me  in  wishing  you  the  greatest  happiness.  Adieu  Dear 
Sir, 

B.  LINCOLN. 
General  Wooster  and  General  Parsons. 

WILLIAM  HEATH  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER. 

KINGSTREET,  February  5th,  1777. 

DEAR  SIR, — A  grand  Scout,  a  grand  Forage  is  to  be  at- 
tempted to  morrow  morning.  In  order  to  effect  the  former, 
which  is  to  be  kept  a  secret,  under  the  pretence  of  a  piquet  for 
the  night,  Col.  Enos,  Lt.  Col.  Root,  2  Captains  4  Subalterns, 
8  Serjeants  and  100  men  from  your  Division,  with  one  days 
provisions  cooked,  are  to  parade  at  such  convenient  place  as 
you  may  think  proper,  so  as  to  march  and  be  at  Stephen  Wards 
precisely  at  one  o'clock  to  morrow  morning.  They  will  be 
there  joined  by  Major  Bryant,  and  280  men  from  General 
Lincoln's  Division,  and  120  under  Major  Pain  from  the  New 
York  Division.  When  Col.  Enos  will  take  the  Command  of 
the  whole. 


35 

To  effect  the  latter  which  is  to  take  off  if  possible  all  the 
Forage  in  New  Rochell,  300  men  properly  officer'd  from  your 
Division  must  by  8  o'clock  tomorrow  morning  march  and  form 
a  line  between  East  Chester  and  Williams's  in  such  manner  as 
to  secure  the  Foragers  whilst  taking  off  the  Forage  in  New 
Rochell.  They  must  continue  formed  until  the  teams  are 
loaden  and  drove  off.  The  Regiments  nearest  New  Rochell 
who  do  not  go  on  duty  had  best  be  kept  near  their  Quarters, 
and  ready  to  turn  out  if  occasion  should  require  it. 

I  am  Dear  Sir  Yours  respectfully, 

W.  HEATH. 

Each  man  of  both  parties  is  to  draw  one  jill  of  rum. 

JOTHAM   MOULTON   TO   DAVID   WOOSTER. 

NORTH  STREET  near  WHITE  PLAINS, 

February  10th,  1777. 

SIR, — A  court  of  enquiry  was  appointed  by  his  honor  Major 
General  Heath,  to  enquire  into  the  conduct  of  Colo.  Cook,  on 
the  26  January  last. 

The  Court  met,  and  saw  cause  of  adjournment;  but  by  rea- 
son of  the  members  being  called  into  different  departments,  a 
sufficient  number  could  not  be  obtained,  to  form  a  proper 
Court. 

You  will  therefore  please  to  conduct  in  such  a  manner,  as 
you  shall  think  most  adviseable.  I  am  Sir,  Your  most  obe- 
dient humble  Servant, 

JOTHAM  MOULTON,  President  of  said  Court. 
[Addressed]  Hon'ble  Major  General  Wooster,  Rye-Neck. 
[Memorandum]  Col.  Enos,  President. 
Lt.  Col.  Henaker    } 

Lt.  Col.  Gallup 

T  ,    ~  ,  -r,  >  Members. 

Lt.  Col.  Root 

Major  Russell 

WILLIAM  DUER"  TO  DAVID  WOOSTER. 

CROMWELLS,  7th  March,  1777. 

SIR, — We  have  received  certain  intelligence  from  good 
authority  that  16  Light  Horse  and  about  100  Footmen  have 


"(1747-1799),  a  member  of  the  Continental  Congress. 


36 

been  up  yesterday  about  a  mile  above  Phillipse's:  as  there  is  a 
considerable  quantity  of  stock  betwixt  our  Advanced  Post  at 
Wards,  and  Phillipse's  which  will  probably  fall  into  the 
Enemy's  power  unless  removed  in  time,  we  beg  the  favor  of 
you  to  detach  200  of  the  Connecticut  Troops  to  Ward's  House 
by  10  o'clock  to  morrow  morning,  to  co-operate  with  us  in 
moveing  the  stock.  As  the  distance  from  Rye  Neck  to  Wards 
is  10  miles  it  will  be  necessary  that  the  Troops  sett  off  on  their 
march  very  early  in  the  morning.  I  send  a  proper  person  to 
pilot  the  Detachment. 

I  am  sir  by  Order  and  with  respect  Your  obedient  humble 
Servant, 

WM.  DUER. 

[Addressed]  To  the  Hon'ble  Major  Gen'l  Wooster,  Rye- 
Neck. 

JAMES  MITCHELL  VARNUM  TO  AARON  BuRR42 

Cakiat  October  1st  1777. 

SIR, — I  this  moment  received  your  favor  of  this  date.  The 
Enemy  have  landed  at  Powler's  Hook  in  great  force.  I  am 
apprehensive  they  mean  attacking  fort  Montgomery  by  the 
way  of  the  Clove.  I  have  sent  my  baggage  and  some  forces 
there.  The  Enemy  must  be  attended  to.  You  will  therefore 
halt  in  the  nearest  place  that  is  convenient,  upon  the  receipt 
of  this.  Keep  a  good  lookout  towards  Newark,  Elizabeth 
Town  etc.  or  those  places  from  whence  they  can  march  into 
Pumpton.  Should  you  be  in  danger  of  being  intercepted 
there,  throw  your  party  across  the  River  in  Pumpton,  and 
defend  the  Bridge  if  practicable;  If  not,  make  the  best  retreat 
you  can  towards  Morristown  etc.  But  by  no  means  proceed 
unless  necessity  urges,  derived  from  the  present  object.  In 
every  thing  else  pursue  your  best  discretion. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  very  humble  Servant, 

J.  M.  VARNUM. 
Colo.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Lieut.  Colonel  Burr,  on  his  March  to  Morris- 
town. 

[Memorandum]  General  Varnum  1  October  1777. 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  118. 


37 

THOMAS  CONWAY  TO  AARON  BuRR43 

25th  October  3  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

SIR, — I  have  received  a  letter  from  Capt.  Kearsley  respect- 
ing the  settlement  of  the  ranks  of  the  Captains  and  subalterns. 
I  could  not  give  him  an  immediate  answer  because  I  was  then 
attending  a  court  martial.  I  wish  this  matter  was  settled  as 
soon  as  possible  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  officers  of  your 
Regiment.  The  General  officers  being  employed  in  several 
courts  martial  which  along  with  the  camp  duty  will  take  up  all 
their  time  I  think  you  had  best  apply  to  the  adjutant  General 
know  from  him  the  manner  in  which  the  ranks  of  the  Virginia 
and  Pennsylvania  officers  have  been  settled  and  arrange  ac- 
cordingly at  least  pro  tempore  the  ranks  of  your  gentlemen. 

I  am  sir  your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

T.  CONWAY. 

[Addresses]  To  Lt.  Col.  Birr. 

[Memorandum]  25th  Oct.  1777.    Gen'l  Conway. 

W.  MALCOM  TO  AARON  BuRR44 

YORK  TOWN,  June  16th,  1778. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, — I  have  just  now  met  with  Capt.  Kiersley, 
which  enables  me  to  let  you  know  that  I  here.  Sent  by 
General  Gates  to  Congress  on  a  variety  of  busseness. 

I  have  consented  to  do  duty  as  Ad'j  General  to  the  Northern 
Army,  on  conditions  of  holding  my  Regiment  and  that  it 
should  come  to  the  Northward — the  first  agreed  to,  the  last 
according  to  events. 

Nine  of  the  sixteen  Ad'l  Regiments  stand  on  the  new  estab- 
lishment— of  the  strongest,  if  our  come  within  that  descrip- 
tion it  will  be  one.  As  General  Washington  writes  General 
Gates  that  he  cannot  conveniently  spare  you  at  this  tune,  I 
recommend  your  sending  three  or  four  officers  to  the  State  of 
York  on  the  recruiting  service.  You  know  who  will  answer 
best  and  who  can  be  best  spared.  And  to  recruit  for  the 
Regiment  at  large.  I  think  I  can  provide  you  with  some  men. 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "  Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr, "  vol.  1,  p.  119. 
"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  125. 


38 

As  I  have  not  time  either  to  pass  thro'  came  or  to  write  any 
other  of  the  officers,  do  tell  them  how  I  am  circumstanc'd,  and 
offer  them  by  best  respects.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  Major 
Pawling  is  better. 

I  shall  write  from  Pecks  Kill  very  soon,  and  beg  to  hear  from 
you.  I  ever  am  very  sincerely,  My  Dear  Sir,  yours  affection- 
ately, 

W.  MALCOM. 

[Addressed]  Colonel  Burr,  Camp.  Per  favor  of  Capt. 
Kiersley. 

LORD  STIRLING  TO  AARON  BuRR.45 

BRUNSWICK  July  6th  1778. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  have  your  letter  of  yesterdays  date;  The  Court 
Martial  of  which  I  am  president  is  adjourned  to  Morris  Town 
which  will  oblige  me  to  go  there  tomorrow;  I  must  therefore 
desire  you  will  direct  your  letters  with  such  intelligence  as  you 
may  procure,  to  his  Excellency  General  Washington  who  will 
be  on  the  line  of  march  with  the  Army.  I  am  in  haste  your 
most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

STIRLING. 
Lt.  Col:  Burr. 

General  Washington  desires  me  to  add  that  he  wishes  you 
would  employ  three,  four  or  more  persons  to  go  to  Bergen 
heights  Wesashack,  Hoobouck  or  any  of  the  heights  there 
about  convenient  to  observe  the  motions  of  the  Enemy's 
shipping  and  to  give  him  the  earliest  intelligence  thereof, 
wether  up  the  River  particularly;  in  short  every  thing  possible 
that  can  be  obtained.  Yours  etc. 

STIRLING. 

[Addressed]  To  Lieut.  Colonel  Burr,  Elizabeth  Town. 

BARON  DE  KALB  TO  W.  MALCOM.46 

Camp  near  CROTEN  BRIDGE 

July  19th  1778. 

Col.  Malcom's  Regt.  is  orderd  to  march  at  two  o'clock  to 
morrow  morning  to  the  fort  at  west  Point  on  Hudsons  River 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  129. 
"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  131. 


39 

with  the  Regt.  commanded  by  Lt.  Col.  Parker  which  it  is  to 
joyn  on  the  Road  near  [torn]  Bridge  the  Commander  of  these 
[torn]  will  make  all  convenent  dispatch  [torn]  Ten  miles  a 
day  as  water  and  g[round]  admit. 

The  BARON  DE  K[ALB]. 

[Addressed]  To  Commander  Malcolm,  [torn]  Reg't,  9  o'clock 
P.M. 

CERTIFICATE 

State  of  New  York. 

A  Flagg  is  hereby  given  to  Lieut.  Colo.  Burr,  or  such  other 
person  as  he  shall  appoint,  to  proceed  to  the  City  of  New  York 
or  such  other  place  within  the  Enemy's  Lines  as  he  may  think 
proper,  with  the  Sloop  Liberty  having  on  board  the  following 
persons  Inhabitants  of  this  State  who  affect  Allegiance  to  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  viz't  William  Smith,  Cadwallader 
Golden  Esqr.  and  Mrs.  Rostiff  I.  Etting,  four  Negroe  Slaves 
(two  women  and  a  child  included),  the  Family  of  Wm.  Smith 
Esqr.  and  a  Son  of  Cad'r  Golden  Esq.  who  are  to  be  landed 

and  left  within  the  Enemy's  lines.  The 
Hands  to  navigate  gj  ^^  the  handg  and  attendants  men. 
the  Sloop  viz.  P.  .  ,  .  .  ... 

Webbers  Man  Abra-  tioned  in  the  Margin  to  navigate  her  will 
ham    and    Rupp,  return    with    all    convenient    expedition. 
Hands  Major  Ed-  Given    at    North    Castle    in   Westchester 
wards  two  Servants  County  this  2d  Day  of  August  1778. 
^r  ?' Vnd  FifeS  GEO.  CLINTON,  Gov'r  of  the 

Attendants. 

State  of  N.  York. 

Captain  Redman  has  permission  to  attend  the  Flagg  on 
private  business. 

Mrs.  Prevost  and  Miss  De  Visme  with  one  Man  Servant  in 
consequence  of  Lord  Stirling's  Leave  to  pass  to  N.  York  and 
return  are  admitted  on  board  this  Flagg. 

A.  BURR. 

John  McDonald  Man  Servant  of  Wm.  Smith  is  permitted  to 
attend  him  and  return  with  the  Flagg. 

[Endorsed]  Flagg  of  Truce  2d  August  1778. 


40 

WILLIAM  LIVINGSTON  TO  JOHN  LIVINGSTON. 47 

PRINCETON,  29th  September,  1778  . 

DEAR  SIR, — I  am  favoured  with  your  kind  letter  of  the  12th 
instant. 

Whether  Mr.  Erkelens  has  studied  the  German  Divines  I 
know  not.  But  he  is  certainly  a  very  voluminous  writer.  In 
consideration  however  of  the  fairness  of  his  character  and  his 
being  a  stranger;  as  well  as  from  the  respect  which  I  shall 
always  pay  to  your  recommendations,  I  should  not  hesitate  a 
moment  to  serve  him  in  any  way  consistent  with  the  attention 
due  to  my  own  character.  As  his  affair  is  circumstanced,  I  do 
not  know  that  I  can  be  of  any  service  to  him.  It  will  come  to 
Congress  by  way  of  Appeal.  His  Counsel  at  Law  will  repre- 
sent it  in  the  most  advantageous  manner.  The  Congress  must 
determine  it  according  to  its  merits,  and  not  the  character  of 
the  [liti]gants.  For  in  this  instance  also,  "circumcision  ava- 
[ileth]  nothing,  nor  uncircumcision. "  And  how  far  it  would  be 
proper  for  a  third  person  to  write  on  the  subject  to  that  Body, 
or  to  any  of  the  Members  (who  collectively  constitute  the 
Court)  is  a  point  of  great  delicacy.  But  if  I  can  be  of  any  use 
to  him  in  a  way  less  exceptionable  I  shall  befriend  him  with  the 
greatest  alacrity. 

I  am  rejoiced  to  hear  of  Cozin  Sally's  recovery.  She  always 
was  a  favourite  of  mine,  notwithstanding  her  manifold  unmerci- 
ful pinches,  to  which  both  my  arms  can  bear  testimony;  and 
two  witnesses,  you  know,  are  sufficient  in  all  Courts  of  Law 
and  Equity. 

Your  letter  really  reminds  me  of  old  times;  and  I  have  a 
thousand  things  to  tell  you;  but  a  thousand  things,  I  have  not 
leisure  to  write,  leaving  the  scarcity  of  paper  out  of  the  ques- 
tion. Whenever  it  shall  please  God,  that  the  British  plunder- 
ers, like  Judas  Iscariot,  shall  go  to  their  own  place,  I  hope  to 
see  you  in  your  ruinated  Metropolis.  But  the  rascals  have  so 
recently  [set]  themselves  down  in  Bergen  County  (I  hope  they 


"Goeuivus  Erkeleus  came  from  Holland  to  America  and  offered  to  place  a  loan  with 
Congress.  That  body  declined,  but  mentioned  him  to  Franklin,  nothing  came  of  his 
offer,  but  in  1787  he  was  residing  at  Chatham,  Conn.,  possessed  of  a  cobalt  mine,  in  which 
he  sought  to  interest  Pennsylvania.  Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress  (Ford),  XII, 
1106,  1246.  Calendar  of  the  Franklin  Papers,  III,  340.  There  are  many  of  his  letters 
from  1779  to  1783  in  the  Trumbull  Papers. 


41 

will  teach  mynheer  Cuyper  better  divinity  than  he  preached 
last  year)  and  to  all  appearances,  with  such  an  animo  possi- 
dendi,  as  if  they  still  preferred  this  Country  to  their  own.  We 
have  at  least  3000  of  our  Militia  in  arms;  but  that  is  not  suffi- 
cient, without  continental  succour,  to  dislodge  them. 

I  have  not  been  with  my  own  family  above  two  weeks  in  two 
years.  The  business  I  have  gone  through,  the  hardships  I 
have  borne,  the  lodging  and  diet  I  have  been  obliged  to  submit 
to,  and  the  numerous  strategems  laid  for  my  life,  which  I  have 
escaped,  are  scarcely  credible.  Through  all  these  scenes,  I 
have  not  [had  a]  days  indisposition,  weariness,  or  discourage- 
ment [so]  remarkably  has  Providence  supported  me  (for  which 
[I]  can  never  be  sufficiently  thankful)  and  I  trust  in  some  mea- 
sure, made  me  useful  to  my  Country;  tho'  (or  rather  for  which 
very  reason)  the  Tories  are  ready  to  devour  me  and  all.  I 
am,  Dear  Sir,  yours  sincerely, 

WILL  LIVINGSTON. 
The  Rev'd  Dr.  John  Livingston. 

P.  S.  The  inclosed  covers  some  accounts  and  a  letter  from 
Philip  P.  Livingston  with  and  to  Philip  I.  Livingston,  respect- 
ing their  joint  Estate  in  Jamaica,  which  were  taken  in  a  prize 
vessel,  and  delivered  into  our  Court  of  Admiralty;  and  which 
you  will  please  to  forward  to  the  owner  as  great  a  Tory  as  he  is. 

J.  WADSWORTH  TO  AARON  BURR. 

PHILADELPHIA,  October  26.  1778. 

DEAR  BURR, — Your  favour  of  the  22d  was  just  now  handed 
me  by  Maj.  Edwards.  I  wish  you  better  health  and  need  eno. 
to  wish  my  selfe  better.  I  am  but  so-so,  shall  set  out  for 
Elisabeth  Town  as  soon  as  Congress  will  let  me.  I  am  more 
much  more  than  tired  of  this  place.  I  like  your  prescription 
will  attend  too  it  as  soon  as  possible,  my  respectfull  Compli- 
ments to  Mrs.  Peteeck  and  family  and  all  other  friends  at  E.  T. 
I  can  fix  no  time  to  come  their  but  it  must  it  shall  be  soon  adieu. 

God  Bless  You  etc., 

J.  WADSWORTH. 

I  am  not  in  a  hurry  but  Your  Boy  is. 
[Addressed]  Col.  Aa.  Burr,  Elisabeth  Town. 


42 

JAMES  MONROE  TO  MRS.  THEODOSIA  PREVOST.48 

PHILADELPHIA  November  8th  1778. 

A  young  lady  who  either  is  or  pretends  to  be  in  love,  is,  you 
know,  my  dear  Mrs.  Provost,  the  most  unreasonable  creature 
in  existence.  If  she  looks  a  smile  or  a  frown  which  does  not 
immediately  give  or  deprive  you  of  happiness  (at  least  to  ap- 
pearance) your  company  soon  becomes  very  insipid.  Each 
feature  has  its  beauty  and  each  attitude  the  graces  or  you  have 
no  judgment.  But  if  you  are  so  stupidly  insensible  of  her 
charms  as  to  deprive  your  tongue  and  eyes  of  every  expression 
of  admiration  and  not  only  to  be  silent  respecting  her  but 
devote  them  to  an  absent  object,  she  cannot  receive  an  higher 
insult  nor  would  she  if  not  restrain' d  by  politeness  refrain  from 
open  resentment.  The  mildest  of  the  sex  feel  an  involuntary 
resentment  and  cannot  excuse  such  want  of  politeness.  Upon 
this  principle  I  think  I  stand  excused  for  not  writing  you  from 
B.  Ridge.  I  propos'd  it  however  and  after  meeting  with 
opposition  in  which  to  obtain  her  point  she  promised  to  visit 
the  little  Hermitage  and  make  my  excuse  herself,  I  took  occa- 
sion to  turn  the  conversation  to  a  different  object  and  plead  for 
permission  to  go  to  France.  I  gave  up  in  one  instance  and  she 
certainly  ought  in  the  other.  But  writing  a  letter  and  going 
to  France  are  very  different  you  will  perhaps  say.  She 
objected  to  it  and  all  the  arguments  which  a  fond  delicate 
unmarried  lady  could  use  she  did  not  fail  to  produce  against  it. 
I  plead  the  advantage  I  should  derive  from  it;  the  personal 
improvement;  the  connections  I  should  make.  I  told  her  she 
was  not  the  only  one  on  whom  fortune  did  not  smile  in  every 
instance.  I  produced  examples  from  her  own  acquaintance 
and  represented  their  situation  in  terms  which  sensibly 
affected  both  herself  and  Lady  C.  I  painted  a  lady  full  of 
affection  of  tenderness  and  sensibility,  separated  from  her 
husband  for  a  series  of  tune  by  the  cruelty  of  the  war;  her  in- 
certainty  respecting  his  health,  the  pain  and  anxiety  which 
must  naturally  arise  from  it.  I  represented  in  the  most 
pathetic  terms  the  disquietudes  which  from  the  nature  of  her 
connection  might  possibly  intrude  on  her  domestic  retreat 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  184. 


43 

I  then  rais'd  to  her  view  fortitude  under  distress;  cheerfulness, 
life  and  gaiety  in  the  midst  of  affliction.  I  hope  you  will  for- 
give me  my  dear  little  friend  if  I  produc'd  you  to  give  life  to 
the  image.  The  instance  she  own'd  was  applicable;  she  felt 
for  you  from  her  heart  and  she  has  a  heart  capable  of  feeling, 
she  wished  not  a  misfortune  similar  to  yours  but  if  I  was 
resolved  to  make  it  so  she  would  strive  to  imitate  your  example. 
I  have  now  permission  to  go  where  I  please,  but  you  must  not 
forget  her.  she  and  Lady  C.  promise  to  come  to  the  Hermitage 
to  spend  a  week  or  two;  incourage  her  and  represent  the 
advantage  I  shall  gain  from  travel.  But  why  should  I  desire 
you  to  do  what  I  know  your  own  heart  will  dictate;  for  a  heart 
so  capable  of  friendship  feels  its  own  pain  alleviated  by  alle- 
viating that  of  another.  But  do  not  suppose  that  my  atten- 
tion is  only  taken  up  with  my  own  affairs.  I  am  too  much 
attached  ever  to  forget  the  Hermitage.  Mrs.  Duvall  I  hope 
is  recovering  and  Kitty's  indisposition  is  that  of  my  nearest 
relation.  Mrs.  De  Visme  tho  plain  and  open  has  delicate 
nerves;  tell  me  her  children  are  well  and  I  know  she  has  a  flow 
of  spirits;  for  her  health  depends  intirely  on  theirs. 

I  was  unfortunate  in  not  being  able  to  meet  with  the 
Governor.  He  was  neither  at  Elizabeth  Town,  B.  Ridge, 
Princeton  nor  Trenton.  I  have  consulted  with  several  Mem- 
bers of  Congress  on  the  occasion.  They  own  the  injustice  but 
cannot  interpose.  "The  laws  of  each  State  must  govern 
itself."  They  cannot  conceive  the  possibility  of  its  taking 
place.  General  Lee  says  it  must  not  take  place  and  if  he  was 
an  absolute  Monarch  he  would  issue  an  edict  to  prevent  it. 

I  am  introduc'd  to  the  gentPn  I  wish'd  by  Gen'l  Lee  in  a 
very  particular  manner.  I  cannot  determine  with  certainty 
what  I  shall  do  till  my  arrival  in  Virginia. 

Make  my  compliments  to  Mrs.  and  Miss  de  Visme  and 
believe  me  with  the  sincerest  friendship  yours  affectionately, 

JAS.  MONROE. 

UDNY  HAY  TO  AARON  BURR. 

FISH  KILL  8th  January  1779. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  was  favoured  with  your  very  oblidging  letter 
of  the  6th  inst.  and  return  to  you  my  sincere  thanks  for  your 


44 

offers  of  friendship;  Give  me  leave  to  assure  you  of  a  reciprocal 
inclination  in  that  way,  and  must  therefore  insist  as  my  first 
request,  should  an  opportunity  offer,  you  will  freely  indulge 
this  inclination  by  putting  it  in  my  power  to  serve  you; 
unacquainted  with  ceremony,  and  an  utter  abhorrer  of  every 
thing  that  wears  the  complexion  of  formality,  I  love  to  speak 
and  be  spoken  to  in  the  plain  and  undisguised  stile  of  Friend- 
ship, totally  free  from  unmeaning  compliment  or  deceitfull 
flattery. 

Your  letter  for  Mr.  Reeve  shall  be  taken  particular  care  of. 

As  you  have  now  got  the  Post  of  Honour,  accept  of  my 
sincere  wishes  you  may  reap  the  laurels  I  believe  you  deserve. 

Should  it  be  convenient  indulge  me  now  and  then  with  a 
news  paper  from  York:  You  see  I  can  already  ask  favours, 
nor  can  I  conclude  without  begging  one  more,  which  is  that 
you  will  believe  me  to  be  with  real  esteem,  Dear  Sir,  Your  most 
obedient  and  very  humble  Servant, 

UDNY  HAY. 

[Addressed]  Colonel  A.  Burr,  commanding  near  White 
Plains. 

ALEXANDER  MCDOUGALL  TO  AARON  BuRR49 

HEAD  QUARTERS  PEEKSKILL 
January  15th  1779. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, — Your  favors  of  the  llth  and  12th  instant 
with  sundry  inclosures  came  duly  to  hand. 

I  am  much  mortified,  that  Captain  Brown  should  have 
merited  your  putting  him  in  arrest.  But  you  have  done  your 
duty,  for  which  accept  my  thanks. 

If  an  officer  commanding  an  outpost  will  not  be  very  vigi- 
lant, he  exposes  his  party  to  be  butchered,  as  the  unfortunate 
Colonel  Baler  lately  experienced. 

I  am  verry  sorry,  the  Militia  have  conducted  so  disorderly; 
but  I  wish  you  to  deal  tenderly  with  them,  as  they  are  brave 
and  are  very  sore,  by  the  plundering  of  the  Tories.  But 
support  the  honor  of  our  arms  and  you  own,  by  giving  redress 
to  the  innocent  and  helpless.  « 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  144. 


45 

As  the  principal  objects  of  your  command  are  to  protect  the 
good  people  of  these  States,  and  prevent  supplies  going  to  the 
Enemy,  you  will  not  send  out  any  parties,  or  make  any  excur- 
sions, but  what  are  necessary  for  intelligence  and  the  preserva- 
tion of  your  parties,  till  further  orders.  Your  own  ideas  on 
this  subject  fully  meet  my  approbation. 

In  the  mean  time,  let  all  the  officers  and  men  of  your 
command,  who  are  unacquainted  with  the  ground,  traverse  it 
alternately,  from  flank  to  flank  and  as  many  miles  in  front  as 
you  may  judge  necessary. 

The  position  of  the  whole,  I  leave  to  your  own  discretion,  as 
circumstances  shall  arise. 

A  good  Captain  and  twenty  picked  men  of  Nixon's,  with  two 
drums  accompany  this,  to  reinforce  your  left;  and  the  orders 
are  dispatched  to  Major  Pawling  for  the  Officers  you  wrote  for. 

One  hundred  pair  of  shoes  will  be  sent  to  you  by  this  snow. 

Send  up  all  Burgoyne's  men,  with  a  good  corporal  and  small 
party  of  the  nine  months  men,  with  the  first  deserters  or 
prisoners. 

The  Serjeant's  parties  of  the  Militia,  who  are  to  join  you, 
will  by  their  engagements  be  under  the  Continental  Articles  of 
war.  If  any  of  the  Militia  who  may  go  out  on  scouts,  or 
parties  with  your's,  will  not  submit  to  the  Articles  of  war  and 
your  orders,  dont  suffer  them  to  go  with  them;  nor  to  appro- 
priate any  plunder;  but  order  it  to  be  given  to  the  Continental 
Troops,  and  those  who  shall  submit  to  those  Articles. 

If  any  of  the  Militia  marauder,  send  them  up  to  me,  with  a 
guard.  They  must  not  be  suffered  to  violate  civil  and  military 
law.  The  Legislature  is  the  proper  authority,  to  enable  them 
to  make  reprisals.  For  whatever  disorders  they  commit  in 
front  of  your  lines,  will  be  placed  by  the  Enemy  to  your 
account. 

In  all  doubtfull  questions,  which  may  arise  on  my  orders  as 
to  the  limit  or  legality  of  plunder,  in  your  front,  I  authorise 
you,  to  be  the  sole  judge.  In  the  exercise  of  this  trust,  it  is  my 
wish,  you  should  lean  to  the  honor  of  our  arms. 

A  surgeon  is  directed  to  attend  your  party;  when  he  arrives, 
please  to  advise  me  of  it,  that  I  may  be  relieved  from  all 
anxiety  about  you,  and  your  Corps. 


46 

If  you  are  not  supplied  with  rum,  before  a  quantity  of  it 
arrives  here,  we  shall  not  forget  you. 

If  your  Horsemen  are  mounted  and  appointed  as  well  as 
your  Horse  Guides,  they  will  receive  the  same  pay. 

If  the  oxen  at  Mr.  Hunter's  are  not  in  working  order,  put 
them  in  the  care  of  your  Forage  Master,  till  they  are. 

If  you  can  get  the  articles  taken  from  the  inhabitants,  in  the 
late  expedition  restored;  let  the  Militia  off  for  that  offence; 
when  you  get  things  in  train,  I  flatter  myself  you  will  not  have 
any  future  trouble  with  them.  But  the  Officers  of  the  Regular 
Troops,  must  be  rigorously  dealt  with  according  to  our  martial 
Law. 

As  you  and  the  Commissary  will  be  in  the  rear  of  the  whole, 
the  nine  months  men,  worse  shod  than  the  other  troops  may 
serve  till  I  have  more  leisure  to  compleat  your  Corps. 

Dont  omit  sending  to  me  all  the  news  papers  you  can  pro- 
cure. 

I  am  so  borne  down  with  correspondence,  I  can  only  add, 
that  I  am  Your  affectionate  humble  Servant, 

ALEX'R  McDouGALL. 

Lieut.  Colonel  Burr. 

P.  S.  I  fear  the  Piquets  from  your  Parties  are  too  far 
advanced  from  them.  The  distance  ought  not  to  exceed  half 
a  mile,  at  night.  And  the  quarters  of  the  Piquets  should  be 
changed  every  night,  after  dark — frequent  patroles  from  each 
give  the  best  security. 

I  submit  it  to  your  consideration  whether  it  would  not  be  of 
service,  to  have  a  quantity  of  old  rags  collected,  at  each  party 
and  piquet,  for  the  Patroles  to  muffle  their  feet  with  in  frosty 
weather,  when  there  is  no  snow  on  the  ground.  It  will 
prevent  their  being  heared  by  the  Enemy,  and  your's  will 
hear  those  of  the  Enemy  if  there  are  any  near  them. 

[Memorandum]  Gen'l  McDougall  15th  Jan.  1779. 


47 

RICHARD  PLATT  TO  AARON  BURR.SO 

HEAD  QUARTERS  PEEKSKILL 

February  25th  1779. 

SIR, — The  General  wishes  you  to  detain  the  best  officers  and 
men  for  five  compleat  parties  of  60.  And  as  soon  as  Major 
Hull  can  be  made  acquainted  with  your  Posts  and  the  nature 
of  the  Command,  he  desires  you  will  ride  up  to  Head  Quarters 
if  there  is  no  probability  of  a  movement  from  below,  and  he 
will  concert  with  you  such  measures  as  shall  be  thought  ex- 
pedient. 

The  Combustible  Balls  are  not  yet  come  to  hand.  5  or  6 
Boxes  of  Ammunition  will  be  sent  down  to  Tarry  Town  by 
water  the  first  opportunity. 

'Tis  necessary  that  Doctor  Eustis,  if  not  at  the  Plains, 
should  be  sent  for.  I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  Obedient  Servant, 

RICHARD  PLATT,  Adjt. 

P.  S.     Please  to  inform  the  General  whether  Col.  Poor's 
men  have  accomplish'd  the  business  they  were  sent  upon,  or 
not. 
Lieut.  Colonel  Burr. 

MRS.  J[ANET]  MONTGOMERYSI  TO  AARON  BURR.M 

RYHNBEEK,  March  7.  [1779] 

SIR, — I  should  before  this  have  answer'd  your  obliging 
letter  had  not  the  marriage  of  my  eldest  sister  intirely  taken 
up  my  time. 

I  now  return  you  Sir,  many  thanks,  for  your  kind  offers  of 
service,  the  sincerity  with  which  they  were  made,  would 
have  alowed  me  to  accept  them  without  fears  of  giving  you 
trouble,  had  I  not  determined  to  run  no  more  risques,  as  I  have 
been  very  unfortunate  in  my  ventures  that  way. 

You  have  awakened  all  my  sencibility,  by  the  praises  you 
bestow'd  on  my  unfortunate  General.  He  was  indeed  an 
angle  lent  us,  for  a  moment.  Alas !  for  me !  that  this  world 
was  not  more  worthy  of  him,  then  had  I  still  been  the  happiest 
of  women;  and  his  friends  in  stations  more  equal  to  their  merits. 
Reflections  like  these  imbitters  continually  each  day  as  it 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  155. 

"Mrs.  Richard  Montgomery. 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  169. 


48 

passes,  but  I  trust  in  the  same  Mercifull  hand  which  has  held 
me  from  sinking,  in  my  extreem  calamity,  that  he  will  still 
suport,  and  make  me  more  worthy  of  a  blessed  meeting 
hereafter. 

Can  you  excuse  Sir  the  overflowings  of  a  heart  that  knows 
not  where  to  stop  when  on  a  subject  so  interesting. 

Mr.  Tatard  tells  me  you  mean  to  quit  the  Service.  When 
ever  that  happens  you  will  doubtless  have  leasure  to  pay  us  a 
visit,  which  I  wish  you  to  beleive  will  give  real  pleasure  to 
Sir,  your  obliged, 

J.  MONTGOMERY. 

[Addressed]  Colonel  Burr.  To  the  care  of  Col.  Hays, 
Fishkills.  Rec'd  Fishkill  21st  March  79,  and  forwarded  by 
Sir,  your  humble  servant.  S.  Loudon.  To  the  care  of 
Gen'l  McDougall. 

[Memorandum]  Mrs.  Montgomery  7th  March  1779. 

GEORGE    WASHINGTON    TO    MRS.    THEODOSIA    PROVOST.53 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  MIDDLEBROOK 

19th  May  1779. 

MADAM, — It  is  much  to  be  regreted,  that  the  pleasure  of 
obeying  the  first  emotions  in  favor  of  misfortune,  is  not 
always  in  our  power.  I  should  be  happy,  could  I  consider 
myself  at  liberty  to  comply  with  your  request,  in  the  case  of 
your  brother,  Mr.  Peter  De  Visme.  But,  as  I  have  heretofore 
taken  no  direction  in  the  disposal  of  marine  prisoners,  I  cannot 
with  propriety,  interfere  on  the  present  occasion;  however 
great  the  satisfaction  I  should  feel  in  obliging,  where  you  are 
interested.  Your  good  sense  will  perceive  this,  and  find  a 
sufficient  excuse  in  the  delicacy  of  my  situation. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Madam,  Your  most  obedient  and 
humble  servant, 

GEO.  WASHINGTON. 
Mrs.  Provost. 

[Addressed]  Mrs.  Provost,  Hermitage,  Paramus. 
WILLIAM  HULLM  TO  AARON  BURR. 

29  May  1779. 

DEAR  SIR, — Your  favors  of  this  day  have  just  received, 
shall  send  Dyckman  this  afternoon.  Am  sorry  you  do  not 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  186. 
"(1753-1825),  later  a  brigadier  general  in  the  war  of  1812. 


49 

make  me  a  visit,  as  the  distance  is  small.  Shall  not  trouble 
you  with  any  dispaches  to  the  eastward  at  present.  Have 
this  day  applied  to  the  General  for  permission  to  make  a  tour 
to  Connecticut,  and  should  it  be  granted,  shall  hope  to  see  you 
at  Hartford.  If  not,  must  beg  you  to  mention  me  to  any 
acquaintance  of  both  sexes  as  affectionately  as  it  is  possible 
for  them  to  ask  after  me.  The  ground  you  so  long  defended 
is  now  left  to  the  depredation  of  the  Enimy,  and  our  friends 
in  distressing  circumstances.  However  they  have  good  spirits, 
and  are  determined  to  defend  themselves. 

Since  you  left  me,  have  had  an  excellent  body  of  troops, 
armed  and  accoutred  in  the  best  manner.  Am  now  at  the 
Mouth  of  Croton  with  only  two  Companies.  I  am  Dear  Sir 
with  much  esteem  your  very  humble  Servant, 

WM.  HULL. 

[Addressed]  Col.  Burr,  Peekskill. 

ARTHUR  ST.  CLAIR  TO  AARON  BURRSS 

Col.  Burr  being  on  urgent  public  business,  must  be  put 
across  the  Ferry  to  Fish  Kill56  Landing  without  a  moments 
delay.  Given  at  Pompton  3rd  June  1779. 

A'R  ST.  CLAIR,  MAJ'R  GEN'L. 

The  Qr.  Master  and  Commissary,  at  Newbury  or  N. 
Windsor  will  receive  and  observe  as  my  orders,  the  verbal 
directions  delivered  by  Col.  Burr.  Given  at  Pompton  3d 
June  1779. 

A'R  ST.  CLAIR,  Maj'r  Gen'l 

[Memorandum]  Genl.  St.  Clair  3rd  June  1779. 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  172-173. 

"Noted  on  the  back  of  these  commissions,  in  the  same  hand  writing  is  the  following: 
The  original  Design  of  the  Enemy  was  probably  an  Attack  on  the  Forts  in  the  Highlands. 
The  Spirit  of  the  Country  (which  is  really  to  be  admired)  the  Delay  occasioned  by 
contrary  Winds,  and  rapid  Approach  of  our  Men  rendered  this  design  abortive.  Part 
of  the  Enemies  Force  (it  is  said  those  who  were  on  the  Virginia  Expedition)  have  re- 
turned to  York — sixteen  Sail  lay  still  in  Haverstraw  Bay  and  near  it — no  very  large 
Ships  among  them— the  Enemy  lay  on  both  sides  Kings  Ferry — are  erecting  on  each  side 
a  Work  evidently  with  Design  to  maintain  a  secure  Post  at  Kings  Ferry— 300  Men  may 
keep  an  Army  at  Bay  for  many  Weeks  several  of  the  new  Corps  with  all  the  Horse  lay 
at  and  near  Dobbs  Ferry — Gen.  Washington  is  this  Day  at  the  Forts— near  the  Army  in 
the  Clove — upwards  of  4000  Militia  of  this  State  are  now  in  Service— The  civil  officers 
and  Exempts  of  every  kind  are  out  with  their  Knapsacks  and  Musketts— this  has  a  happy 
Effect  on  the  People. 

[Memorandum]  Genl.  St.  Clair  3rd  June  1779. 


50 

ROBERT  TROUP  TO  AARON  BuRR.57 

PRINCETON,  April  27.  1780. 

MY  DEAR  BURR, — I  wrote  to  you  yesterday  and  happened 
to  put  the  letter  into  the  Post  Office  a  little  after  the  post  had 
gone.  In  that  letter  I  requested  you  to  come  here  as  soon  as 
possible  for  it  was  highly  probable  that  I  should  leave  Prince- 
ton entirely  and  determine  to  follow  our  original  plan.  The 
event  has  confirmed  my  conjecture.  I  came  here  from 
General  Morris's  yesterday  and  exerted  all  the  influence  I  was 
master  of  to  get  new  lodgings;  but  could  not,  without  lodging 
in  the  town  which  would  be  disagreeable  to  me  on  many 
accounts.  I  have  now  given  over  all  thoughts  of  staying  here 
and  having  an  excellent  pretext  for  changing  my  ground  I 
shall  write  to  Mr.  Stockton  who  is  still  in  Philadelphia  and 
acquaint  him  with  my  intentions  of  going  away.  Nothing  is 
therefore  wanting  but  yourself  with  a  horse  and  chair  to  make 
me  completely  happy.  I  wish  to  God  I  could  push  off  east- 
ward immediately  but  I  cannot.  I  have  no  horse,  neither  is 
it  practicable  to  borrow  or  hire  one.  I  must  then  wait  for  you 
and  I  request  you  in  the  most  pressing  terms  to  lose  not  a 
moment's  time  in  coming  for  me  at  General  Morris's  about 
six  miles  from  this  at  Sourland  near  Colonel  Vandyke's  Mill 
on  the  road  to  Somerset  where  I  shall  wait  impatiently  for  you. 
I  am  extremely  uneasy  lest  this  should  reach  you  after  you 
have  left  home  and  begun  your  journey  northward.  In  that 
case  I  shall  be  very  unfortunate  and  to  prevent  too  great  a 
delay  I  shall  write  to  Mr.  Reeves  at  Litchfield  and  enclose  him 
a  letter  for  you  and  desire  him  to  forward  it  to  you  wherever 
you  are  with  all  expedition.  I  shall  likewise  enclose  another 
letter  for  you  and  send  it  to  Mrs.  Prevost  who  will  be  kind 
enough  to  give  it  to  you  the  moment  you  arrive  there. 

If  we  once  get  together  I  hope  we  shall  not  be  soon  parted. 
It  would  afford  me  the  greatest  satisfaction  to  live  with  you 
during  life. 

How  shall  I  have  my  trunk  transported  to  the  eastward? 
On  this  and  many  other  matters  I  shall  want  to  consult  you 
when  we  meet.  God  grant  our  meeting  may  be  soon.  Adieu ! 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  199. 


51 

You  have  my  best  and  fervent  wishes  for  the  recovery  of  your 
health  and  every  other  happiness.  My  compliments  to  all 
friends. 

ROB.  TROUP. 

P.S.  I  can't  think  of  studying  [until]  I  am  settled  with  you. 
Col.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Col.  Aaron  Burr  at  Mr.  Titus  Osmer's,  Middle- 
town,  Connecticut.  Per  post. 

[Memorandum]  R.  Troup,  27th  Apl.  Rec'd  F.  Field  12th 
May.  post. 

SILAS  DEANE  TO  BARON  ROTTENBOURG. 

PARIS  November  15th  1780. 

SIR, — I  received  your  letter  of  the  25th  ulto.  only  two  days 
since,  and  should  have  replied  to  your  former  in  course  had  it 
been  in  my  power  to  do  it  satisfactorily,  which  it  was  not,  nor 
unhappily  is  at  present.  I  know  that  the  State  of  New  York 
have  passed  an  Act  for  the  Sequestration  of  Estates  of  certain 
Absentees  who  have  joined  the  Enemy,  but  how  extensive 
the  Act  is,  I  do  not  know,  when  I  left  America  (I  had  re- 
mained for  six  months  in  Virginia  previous  to  my  sailing)  I 
had  not  heard  of  any  estates  having  been  put  to  sale.  I  have 
not  nor  can  I  procure  a  copy  or  abstract  of  their  Act,  nor  have 
I  ever  seen  it.  I  presume,  however,  that  your  readiest  way  to 
proceed,  is  to  go  direct  to  America,  and  apply  to  the  Govern- 
ment of  New  York;  or  if  you  cannot  do  that  to  send  over  to 
the  Governor  a  State  of  your  Claim  and  inform  of  your 
intentions  of  settling  and  of  becoming  a  subject  of  that  State 
as  soon  as  possible.58 

The  Manufacture  of  Salt  Petre  is  certainly  an  object  of  very 
considerable  importance,  and  I  think  must  at  all  times  answer 
well  in  America,  every  new  branch  of  manufacture  and  com- 
merce introduced  is  of  real  service  to  a  new  country  like 
America;  and  therefore  I  wish  you  to  succeed  in  your  attempts 
of  that  kind.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  respect,  Sir  your 
most  obedient  and  very  humble  Servant, 

S.  DEANE. 

[Addressed]  A  Monsieur  Le  Baron  Rottenbourg,  ancien 
Colonel  et  actuellement  directeur  des  Vitrieres  Royales  a 
Mont  Aimart  en  Dauphine". 

"In  1786  the  Baron  wrote  to  Franklin  about  some  lands  in  New  York  state  owned  by 
his  brother-in-law  Charles  Williams,  "lately  deceased." 


52 

Certificate  of  Marriage.59 

I  do  hereby  certify  that  Aaron  Burr  of  the  State  of  N.  York 
Esqr.  and  Theodosia  Prevost  of  Bergen  County,  State  of  N. 
Jersey  widow  were  by  me  joined  in  lawful  wedlock  on  the 
second  day  of  July  instant.  Given  under  my  hand  this  sixth 
day  of  July  1782. 

B'n  VAN  DER  LEUDE. 

JOHN  SLOSS  HOBART  TO  AARON  BURR. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  had  taken  a  present  my  sincerest  congratula- 
tions on  the  event60  which  Fredrick  this  moment  announced 
to  me,  which  I  do  most  heartily,  when  gov'r  Clinton  desired 
me  to  present  you  his  compliments  of  felicitation  on  the 
occasion  and  to  inform  you  that  the  pressing  sollicitude  of  the 
Commander  in  Cheif  to  prevent  all  communication  with  New 
York  renders  it  altogether  improper  for  him  to  comply  with 
your  request  at  present,  he  would  have  written  to  you  him- 
self but  is  very  much  hurried  as  the  Legislature  is  on  the  point 
of  adjourning. 

It  is  so  dark  I  can  scarcely  see  sufficient  to  assure  you  that  I 
am  with  the  warmest  esteem,  Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

JOHN  SLOSS  HOBART. 
Coll.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Coll.  Aaron  Burr.    Mr.  Provost. 

GENERAL  SAMUEL  H.  PARSONS  TO  CAPTAIN  THOMAS  WOOSTER. 

25th  November,  1782. 

SIR, — I  have  left  ninety  pounds  for  you  which  comes  to 
405£  if  I  have  computed  right  @  4/6.  if  you  can  send  me 
200£  or  250£  more  at  the  same  rate  I  believe  I  can  give  you 
the  money  in  about  a  month.  I  have  left  a  receit  with  my 
wife  which  you  will  please  to  sign  on  receiving  the  money,  and 
leave  me  a  line  whither  I  may  depend  on  200  or  300£  more: 
and  when  that  I  may  not  disappoint  you  in  the  cash:  I  shall 
know  this  week  when  I  can  have  the  lands  and  will  inform  you 
to  provide  for  that  event  in  season. 

I  am  Sir  Your  obedient  Servant, 

SAM'L  H.  PARSONS. 

"Parton  states  that  the  marriage  was  performed  by  Rev.  David  Bogart — obviously  an 
error  in  the  light  of  the  above  certificate. 

•°This  refers,  no  doubt,  to  Burr's  marriage,  July  2d,  1782. 


53 

P.  S.  The  notes  for  this  money  must  be  had  by  the  last  of 
next  week:  if  you  cant  procure  them  by  that  time:  I  must  not 
take  them  as  the  money  or  notes  must  be  returned  to  the 
owner  by  that  tune,  you  will  know  whither  you  can  take  the 
money  on  that  condition. 

S.  P. 

32  half  Joannes    £76.16 
44  Dollars  13:  4 


£90:  0 

I  have  sent  you  £90.0.0  if  you  cant  comply  with  the  time  as 
above  expressed  you  will  please  to  return  it.  Yours, 

S.  H.  PARSONS. 

SAMUEL  ALLEYN  OTIS  TO  AARON  BURR. 

Mr.  Otis's  Compliments  to  Coll  Bur  and  Lady  and  thanks 
them  for  their  polite  reception  of  him  at  Albany. 

Should   it   comport  with   their   convenience   or  pleasure 
nothing  would  make  him  more  happy  than  an  opportunity  of 
returning  their  civilities  at  Boston,  and  hopes  the  apprehen- 
sions of  the  river  becomeing  unpassable  from  the  approaching 
warmth  of  the  day  will  be  his  apology  for  an  early  and  un- 
cermonious  departure. 
Saturday  Morning,  [March,  1783]. 
My  Dear  Sir 

I  was  closeing  the  within  when  your  smileing  lovely  boy 
handed  yours  of  this  morning  and  am  mortified  at  the  trouble 
I  have  given  him  and  yourself,  be  assured  Sir  a  heart  easily 
impressed  with  friendly  offices,  will  not  forget  yours,  and  the 
fresh  obligations  you  lay  me  under.  I  had  such  a  character 
of  Mrs.  Burr  as  induced  me  to  expect  the  graces  of  a  most 
amiable  person  in  your  good  Lady.  I  think  better  of  the 
world  for  giveing  the  tribute  of  praise  where  am  convinced 
from  my  own  observation  it  belongs. 

Present  me  with  every  expression  of  respect  and  esteem  to 
her. 

You  know  my  original  plan  was  to  be  early  in  the  week  at 
Pittsfield.  Some  appointments  of  business  must  be  observed. 


54 

Which  as  I  travel  slowly  will  be  my  apology  for  not  returning. 
But  in  the  pleaseing  expectation  of  meeting  you  at  Cloveric  am 

Your  most  humble  Servant 

SAM  A.  OTIS 

JAMES  RIVINGTON  TO  AARON  BURR. 

N.  YORK  Oct.  1.  1783. 

Permit  me,  Good  Sir,  to  apply  to  you  for  a  copy  of  the 
Indictment  preferred  against  me.  I  wish  to  see  its  purport 
before  I  leave  N.  York,  which  I  intend  to  do  on  the  16th  Inst. 
I  wrote  to  you  some  time  since  but  my  letter  was  not  properly 
directed.  I  am,  Sir,  Your  obedient  Servant. 

JAMES  RIVINGTON. 
[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esq.,  Attorney-at-Law,  at  Albany. 

Tuesday  Evening  [May      ,  1785.] 61 

Mrs.  Wickham  just  called  to  tell  me  of  an  opportunity  to 
Chester,  how  joyfully  I  embrace  it.  I  had  a  most  insupportable 
impatience  to  communicate  to  you  my  gratitude  and  thanks 
for  your  last  visit,  it  was  a  cordial  to  my  health  and  spirits,  a 
balm  to  my  soul,  my  mind  is  flushed  with  pleasing  hopes — 
ten  thousand  tender  thoughts  rush  to  my  pen,  but  the  bearer 
may  prove  faithless.  I  will  suppress  them  to  a  happier 
moment,  and  anticipate  the  dear  indulgence. 

The  holidays  are  a  check  to  finishing,  the  family  as  you  left 
it,  Their  health  and  spirits  encrease  daily.  B.  industry 
and  utility  is  striking  to  the  family  and  strangers.  Johnston 
returned  yesterday,  your  letter  was  as  eagerly  read  as  tho' 
I  had  not  seen  you.  write  when  you  have  leisure,  if  it  does  not 
reach  me  immediately  it  will  serve  to  divert  some  tedious 
moment  in  a  future  absence — even  when  you  are  at  home 
engrossed  by  business,  I  frequently  find  a  singular  pleasure  in 
perusing  those  testimonies  of  affection.  I  find  I  am  con- 
tinually speaking  of  myself.  I  can  only  account  for  it  from 
Aaron's  having  persuaded  me  'tis  his  favorite  subject,  and  the 
extreme  desire  I  have  to  please  him  enduces  me  to  pursue  it. 
I  take  no  walks  but  up  one  stairs  and  down  the  other,  the 
situation  of  my  house  will  not  admit  of  my  seeing  many 

"Printed  in  Davis'a  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  260. 


55 

visitors.     I  hope  some  arrangements  will  be  accomplished  by 
the  next  week. 

A  packet  from  Sill,  he  writes  like  a  happy  man,  not  the 
happy  man  of  a  day,  or  I  am  much  deceived  in  him.  She  is 
certainly  to  be  ranked  among  the  fortunate.  I  wish  she  may 
be  sensible  of  her  lot. 

I  have  fixt  the  time  of  seeing  you  till  Saturday.  I  will  hope 
the  best.  I  cannot  extend  my  calculations  beyond  it,  four 
days  of  your  absence  is  an  age  to  come,  don't  be  too  solicitous 
pour  la  visite  d'une  jeune  personne.  J'en  suis  parfaitement 
degoutee,  evites  la  c'il  est  possible.  My  compliments  to  your 
chum,  and  who  else  you  please,  penses  avec  tendresse  de 

la  votre. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr. 

[Memorandum]  Sop: — May  85.     Chester. 

Tuesday  Evening,  [27th  Sept.  1785].62 
I  have  counted  the  hours  till  evening,  since  that  the  minutes 
and  am  still  on  the  watch  the  stage  not  arrived;  'tis  a  cruel 
delay  your  health,  your  dear  health  your  tender  frame  how 
are  they  supported?  anxiety  obliterates  every  other  idea, 
every  noise  stops  my  pen,  my  heart  flutters  with  hope  and 
fear,  the  pavement  from  this  to  Capes  are  kept  warm  by  the 
family — every  eye  and  ear  ingrossed  by  expectation — my 
mind  in  too  much  trepidation  to  write.  I  resume  my  pen 
after  another  messenger  in  vain.  I  will  try  to  tell  you  that 
those  you  love  are  well,  that  the  Boys  are  very  diligent, 
Ireson  gone  to  West  Chester.  My  new  medicine  will  I  flatter 
myself  prove  a  lucky  one.  Sally  amazingly  encreased  Fream 
at  work  at  the  roof,  he  thinks  it  too  flat  to  be  secured.  The 
back  walls  of  the  house  struck  thro'  with  the  late  rain.  M.  Y. 
still  at  Miss  W.  You  must  not  expect  to  find  dancing  on 
Thursday  night,  I  should  think  it  a  degree  of  presumption  to 
make  the  necessary  preparations  without  knowing  the  state 
of  your  health.  Should  this  account  prove  favorable,  I  still 
think  it  best  to  delay  it  as  the  stage  is  very  irregular  in  its 
return,  that  of  Saturday  did  not  arrive  till  Sunday  morning, 
brought  an  unfavorable  account  of  the  roads,  thus  you  prob- 

82Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  271. 


56- 

ably  would  not  partake,  nor  would  I  wish  spectators  to  check 
my  vigilance,  or  divide  that  attention  which  is  ever  insufficient 
when  thou  art  the  object.  0 !  my  Aaron  how  impatient  I  am 
to  welcome  thy  return,  to  anticipate  thy  will,  and  receive  thy 
loved  commands. 

The  clock  strikes  eleven,  no  stage.  My  letter  must  go.  I 
have  been  three  hours  writing  or  attempting  to  write  this 
imperfect  scrawl.  The  Children  desire  me  to  speak  their 
affection.  Mamma  will  not  be  forgot,  she  really  shares  my 
anxiousness.  Tout  jour  plus  ardentement 

la  votre. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esqr.,  Albany,63  per  stage. 

ELISHA  BOUDINOT  TO  AARON  BURR. 

NEW  ARK  18  June,  1789. 

SIR, — Mr.  Warmsly  has  returned  from  Mr.  Ogilvie  who 
insists  upon  the  Execution  of  Schoonmaker's  being  discharged 
first.  Will  you  therefore  be  kind  enough  to  send  by  Mr. 
Burnet  a  calculation  of  the  debt  and  costs  due  on  that  execu- 
tion, as  they  are  to  meet  on  Saturday  to  endeavor  to  settle  it. 
I  am  with  esteem,  Dear  Sir,  Your  most  Obedient  Servant, 

ELISHA  BOUDINOT. 
Col.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Col.  Aaron  Burr,  Counsellor-at-law,  New  York. 
Favored  by  Mr.  Burnet. 

To  MRS.  AARON  BURR 

Philada,  26th  Apr,  1792 

I  have  at  length  the  pleasure  to  assure  you  that  both  houses 
of  Congress  have  concurred  in  a  resolution  to  adjourn  on  the 
fifth  of  May,  which  is  I  think  Saturday  of  next  week.  I  could 
have  wished  an  earlier  day,  yet  it  is  a  great  relief  to  me  to  look 
forward  to  a  certain  time.  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  have  been 
in  Senate  Yesterday  to  promote  this  desireable  object. 

The  mail  which  left  you  on  Tuesday  Morning  brought  me 
no  letter  from  you,  of  which  indeed  I  need  not  to  inform  you, 
it  is  not  amiss  however  that  you  should  know  the  disappoint- 
ment to  me. 


•The  word  "Albany"  is  crossed  out  and  "New  York"  written  in  another  hand. 


57 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adams  left  this  place  on  Tuesday  and  will  be 
in  New  York  about  the  time  this  will  reach  you.  You  will 
not  forget  the  rest. 

My  Confessor  is  to  be  with  me  this  Morning  to  settle  terms. 

Most  Affect.  Yrs. 
A.  BURR. 

I  have  formed  some  very  hostile  resolutions  if  you  do  not 
continue  the  Use  of  certain  remedies: — resolutions  which  are 
perhaps  most  easily  formed,  and  kept,  at  the  Distance  of  100 
Miles. 
Mrs.  Burr,  No.  4  Broadway, 

New  York. 

BENJAMIN  RUSH  TO  AARON  BURR.M 

PHILADELPHIA,  September  24th,  1792. 

DEAR  SIR, — This  letter  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Mr. 
Beckly.  He  possesses  a  fund  of  information  about  men  and 
things,  and  what  is  more  in  favor  of  his  principles,  he  possesses 
the  confidence  of  our  two  illustrious  patriots  Mr.  Jefferson  and 
Mr.  Madison. 

The  republican  ferment  continues  to  work  in  our  State,  and 
the  tune  I  think  is  approaching  very  fast  when  we  shall  uni- 
versally reprobate  the  maxim  of  sacrificing  public  justice  and 
national  gratitude  to  the  interested  ideas  of  stockjobbers  and 
brokers  whether  in  or  out  of  the  legislature  of  the  United 
States. 

Your  friends  every  where  look  to  you  to  take  an  active  part 
in  removing  the  monarchical  rubbish  of  our  government.  It 
is  time  to  speak  out — or  we  are  undone.  The  Association  in 
Boston  augurs  well.  Do  feed  it  by  a  letter  to  Mr.  S.  Adams. 
My  letter  will  serve  to  introduce  you  to  him,  if  enclosed  in  one 
from  yourself. 

Have  you  got  the  deed  completed?  I  hope  nothing  will 
prevent  an  issue  being  given  to  that  business  this  fall. 

Mrs.  Rush  joins  in  best  Compliments  to  Mrs.  Burr  with 
Dear  Sir,  Yours  sincerely, 

BENJAMIN  RUSH. 

P.S.  Mr.  Burke  left  the  lodgings  you  looked  at  last  Satur- 
day. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esqr.,  New  York.     Mr.  Beckley. 

MPrinted  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  316. 


58 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON  TO  AARON  BuRR.65 
TH.   JEFFERSON   presents  his  respectful   compliments  to 
Colo.  Burr  and  is  sorry  to  inform  him  it  has  been  concluded  to 
be  improper  to  communicate  the  correspondence  of  existing 
ministers,    he  hopes  this  will,  with  Colo.  Burr,  be  his  sufficient 
apology. 
Jan.  20,  1793. 

[Addressed]  Colo.  Burr. 

ALBERT  GALLATIN  TO  AARON  BuRR66 

[1794] 

DEAR  SIR, — I  send  you  the  Massachusetts  Laws  from  1692 
to  1768.  Page  125  and  126  is  the  law  which  admits  persons 
to  become  inhabitants  upon  twelve  months  residence  if  not 
warned.  A  preceeding  law  page  21  had  made  it  only  three 
months  and  [althoug]h  repealed  defines  the  word  residing. 
Read  also  the  law  page  289.  Strong  said  that  the  law  of 
1701  page  126  was  virtually  repealed  by  a  certain  temporary 
law  of  1767  which  he  had  not.  I  strongly  suspect  the  accuracy 
of  his  information  on  that  head ;  And  I  believe  that  the  law  of 
1789  is  the  first  which  made  a  change  and  also  introduced  the 
distinction  of  Citizens.  German  Servants  must  have  ac- 
quired settlement  in  common  with  others  and  many  were 
imported.  See  page  342.  You  will  find  page  122  the  word 
Inhabitant  used  with  that  of  Sojourner  in  a  general  sense. 
Page  338  the  same  word  applied  to  inhabitant  of  a  County 
etc.  A  distinction  is  made  between  inhabiting  and  residing 
pages  24  and  207.  I  have  not  New  Hampshire  laws. 

The  Laws  of  Pennsilvania  are  clear  and  explicit.  Please 
to  compare  the  attachment  laws  in  volume  of  Provincial  laws 
page  44  and  122  with  Laz.  Barnet's  case  Del.  reports  which  is 
grounded  upon  them  and  you  will  find  that  under  the  province 
residing  and  inhabitants  were  synonimous. 

In  Vol.  of  State  Laws,  please  to  read  page  [burned  out] 
Sect.  2d.  says  all  male  white  inhabitants  and  sect.  7th  by  the 
exception  sheweth  the  general  meaning  of  the  word  inhabitant. 
Page  163  read  the  5th  Sect,  principally  and  you  will  find  it  to 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  1,  p.  331. 
"Ib.  p.  406. 


59 

be  a  copy  of  the  Art.  of  Conf .  substituting  white  for  free.    I 
will  call  on  you  about  ten  o'clock.    Yours, 

A.  G.67 
[Addressed]  Colo.  Burr,  Corner  of  4th  and  Walnut  Streets. 

RICHARD  PLATT  TO  AARON  BURR 

NEW  YORK  January  12th  1797. 

DEAR  SIR, — My  prospects  detailed  you  in  yesterday's  letter 
relative  to  money  for  the  two  houses  mentioned,  are  realized. 
I  am  to  receive  two  hundred  Guineas  this  week — the  residue 
in  30  and  60  days  in  unexceptionable  paper.  Thus  I  am 
relieved  on  that  head,  and  now  wait  only  for  the  maturing 
other  things,  and  the  sailing  of  the  Vessell,  which  I  apprehend 
cannot  take  place  for  a  week  to  come,  owing  to  the  ice  in  the 
Harbour.  This  induces  a  hope  that  we  shall  meet  again 
before  my  departure.  If  we  should  not,  you  must  get,  give 
and  send  after  me  such  letters  as  will  assist  my  operations  and 
views  in  France,  from  your  friends.  I  have  nothing  more  to 
tell  you  about  this  day,  only  that  Mrs.  P.  is  better,  and  Miss  A. 
very  well — both  desire  regards,  with  your  affectionate, 

RICHARD  PLATT. 

Write  me  always  under  cover  to  John  Aspinwall. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esquire,  Senator  in  Congress, 
Philadelphia.  Post. 

ALEXANDER  HAMILTON  TO  AARON  BURR. 
DEAR  SIR, — As  I  wished  the  cause  of  Bayard  vs  Breese  and 
others  to  be  regularly  at  issue  and  as  the  Chancellor  could  not 
readily  be  come  at  to  procure  from  him  an  order  to  serve 
Subpoenas  on  the  Clerk  in  Court,  I  sent  you  a  request  some 
time  since  to  file  rejoinders  and  Mr.  Provost  informed  me  you 
would  be  so  obliging  as  to  have  it  done.  I  have  not,  however, 
received  any  notice  of  its  having  been  done.  I  will  thank  you 

"Noted  on  this  letter  is  the  following: 

"Mr.  Taylor  of  Virginia  to  Col.  Burr,  in  a  note  across  the  Table  in  Senate  U.  States, 

in  the  case  of  Gallatin  says — 

"  'We  shall  leave  you  to  reply  to  King:  1st.  Because  you  desire  it;  2d.  All  depends 
upon  it.  No  one  else  can  do  it,  and  the  audience  will  expect  it.  If,  too,  you  will  see  the 
2d  page  of  the  Kentucky  Constitution,  it  may  be  pressed  upon  Edwards.  Gallatin  has 
it  in  manuscript.' 

"  The  preceding  two  pages,  are  in  the  hand  writing  of  Albert  Gallatin,  as  the  initials  to 
the  letter  show. 

M.  L.  DAVIS." 


60 

particularly  to  have  it  done  in  the  course  of  the  day,  as  my 
situation  has  rendered  me  culpably  negligent. 

Your  Obedient  Servant, 

ALEX'R  HAMILTON. 
Thursday.     [1797] 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esquire. 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON  TO  AARON  BuRR.68 

WASHINGTON,  Dec.  15,  1800. 
Dear  Sir 

Although  we  have  not  official  information  of  the  votes  for 
President  &  Vice  President  and  cannot  have  until  the  first 
week  in  Feb.  yet  the  state  of  the  votes  is  given  on  such  evi- 
dence as  satisfies  both  parties  that  the  two  Republican  candi- 
dates stand  highest,  from  S.  Carolina  we  have  not  even 
heard  of  the  actual  vote;  but  we  have  learnt  who  were  ap- 
pointed electors,  and  with  sufficient  certainty  how  they  would 
vote,  it  is  said  they  would  withdraw  from  yourself  one  vote, 
it  has  also  been  said  that  a  General  Smith  of  Tennissee  had 
declared  he  would  give  his  2d.  vote  to  Mr.  Gallatin;  not  from 
any  indisposition  towards  you,  but  extreme  reverence  to  the 
character  of  Mr.  G.  it  is  also  surmised  that  the  vote  of  Georgia 
will  not  be  entire,  yet  nobody  pretends  to  know  these  things 
of  a  certainty,  and  we  know  enough  to  be  certain  that  what  it 
is  surmised  will  be  withheld  will  still  leave  you  4  or  5  votes  at 
least  above  Mr.  A.  however  it  was  badly  managed  not  to 
have  arranged  with  certainty  what  seems  to  have  been  left  to 
hazard,  it  was  the  more  material  because  I  understand 
several  of  the  high  flying  federalists  have  expressed  their  hope 
that  the  two  republican  tickets  may  be  equal,  &  their  deter- 
mination in  that  case  to  prevent  a  choice  by  the  H.  of  R. 
(which  they  are  strong  enough  to  do)  and  let  the  government 
devolve  on  a  President  of  the  Senate,  decency  required  that 
I  should  be  so  entirely  passive  during  the  late  contest  that  I 
never  once  asked  whether  arrangements  had  been  made  to 
prevent  so  many  from  dropping  votes  intentionally  as  might 
frustrate  half  the  republican  wish;  nor  did  I  doubt  till  lately 
that  such  has  been  made. 


•'Printed  in  Davia's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  Vol.  2,  p.  67. 


61 

While  I  must  congratulate  you,  my  dear  Sir,  on  the  issue  of 
this  contest,  because  it  is  more  honourable  and  doubtless  more 
grateful  to  you  than  any  station  within  the  competence  of  the 
chief  magistrate,  yet  for  myself,  and  for  the  substantial  service 
of  the  public,  I  feel  most  sensibly  the  loss  we  sustain  of  your 
aid  in  our  new  administration,  it  leaves  a  chasm  in  my 
arrangements,  which  cannot  be  adequately  filled  up.  I  had 
endeavored  to  compose  an  administration  whose  talents, 
integrity,  names  &  dispositions  should  at  once  inspire  un- 
bounded confidence  in  the  public  mind,  and  ensure  a  perfect 
harmony  in  the  conduct  of  the  public  business.  I  lose  you 
from  the  list,  &  am  not  sure  of  all  the  others,  should  the 
gentlemen  who  possess  the  public  confidence  decline  taking  a 
part  in  their  affairs,  and  force  us  to  take  up  persons  unknown 
to  the  people,  the  evil  genius  of  this  country  may  realize  his 
avowal  that  'he  will  beat  down  the  administration.' — the 
return  of  Mr.  Van  Benthuysen,  one  of  your  electors,  furnishes 
me  a  confidential  opportunity  of  writing  this  much  to  you, 
which  I  should  not  have  ventured  through  the  post  office,  at 
this  prying  season,  we  shall  of  course  see  you  before  the  4th 
of  March,  accept  my  respectful  &  affectionate  salutations. 

Th.  Jefferson 
Colo.  Burr 

[Addressed]  Colo.  Aaron  Burr,  New- York. 

AMBROSE  SPENCER  TO  AARON  BURR. 

HUDSON  December  24.  1800. 

DEAR  SIR, — Permit  me  to  express  to  you  my  most  cordial 
congratulations,  on  the  successful  issue  of  your  and  Mr. 
Jefferson's  election.  I  have  and  do  consider  these  events  as 
among  the  greatest  incidents  of  the  age.  they  are  clearly 
indicative  of  the  abhorrence  of  the  people  of  America,  to  the 
system  adopted  by  our  political  adversaries — a  system  which 
if  not  totally  changed  could  not  have  failed  of  destroying  our 
excellent  republican  government,  and  on  its  ruin  of  establish- 
ing at  least  an  aristocracy.  The  system  pursued  too,  was 
vile  in  many  other  respects,  and  particularly  as  it  tended  to 
exclude  from  office,  all  but  sycophants  and  political  hypo- 


62 

erites.  But  thank  Heaven  the  scence  [scene?]  is  changed,  and 
the  men  of  our  party  who  have  been  degraded  and  oppressed, 
will  be  entitled  to  be  heard  and  noticed,  imagine  not  however 
that  I  mean  myself  to  be  included  in  these  observations, 
persecuted  I  have  been,  oppressed  I  could  not  be,  and  as  for 
office  had  I  the  capacity  to  fill  any  (which  I  am  sensible  I  have 
not)  I  will  accept  of  none  in  the  gift  of  the  general  government, 
nor  of  any  office  from  the  Governor  and  Council  of  this  State. 
Nor  is  it  probable  that  I  shall  ever  trouble  my  friends  for 
others — for  my  own  connections  I  surely  shall  not.  The  joy 
inspired  by  the  event  of  the  election  is  indiscribable,  amongst 
our  Friends,  the  other  party  are  literally  chap  fallen.  It 
would  please  me  to  hear  from  you  if  any  thing  of  consequence 
transpires,  and  especially  on  the  subject  of  Mr.  Lees  certificate, 
believe  me  to  [be]  yours  with  much  respect, 

A.  SPENCER. 
Col.  A.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esquire,  Counsellor-at-Law,  New 
York. 

JOSEPH  ALSTON  TO  THEODOSIA  BURR. 

CHARLESTON  S.  C. 

Dec.  26th  1800 

I  have  this  instant,  My  dear  Theodosia,69  received  your 
anxiously  expected  letter  of  the  llth  December  and  just 
snatch  the  pen  to  thank  you  for  it,  and  tell  you  how  much 
pleasure  it  gives  me. 

Had  I  an  hour  to  spare,  I  would  convince  you  of  the  pro- 
priety of  early  marriages,  in  spite  of  the  authority  of  even 
Aristotle;  I  would  shew  you  how  rediculous  are  the  accounts 
of  your  "dear  friends"  respecting  Carolina;  and  in  short  reply 
satisfactorily  to  every  part  of  your  letter;  but  in  half  an  hour 
I  expect  a  large  company  of  Republicans  to  dinner,  and,  as 
my  Father  and  family  are  out  of  town,  and  I  keep  "Bachelor's 
hall,"  I  must  be  ready  to  receive  them.  The  next  post, 
however,  I  promise  you  a  folio  epistle.  Adieu.  I  am  de- 
lighted. Your  letter  shows  you  every  thing  that  the  most 

••Theodosia  Burr  was  born  at  Albany  June  21,  1783  and  was  baptised  July  28.  She 
married  Joseph  Alston  January,  1801. 


63 

ardent  lover  of  a  disposition  like  mine,  could  desire.    Yours 
My  dear  Theodosia,  always 

Jos.  ALSTON. 
[Addressed]  Miss  Burr,  New- York. 

THEODOSIA  BURR  TO  JOSEPH  ALSTON 
The  books  and  note  were  received  with  pleasure;  the  latter 
would  have  honored  Petrach  as  much  as  it  would  have  flat- 
tered Laura.  I  shall  not  leave  town  to  day  and  if  you  should 
not  be  otherwise  engaged  Mrs.  Provost  and  myself  have 
disposed  of  you  for  this  afternoon. 

THEODOSIA  T.  B[URR]. 
Saturday.     [1801] 

[Addressed]  Mr.  Alston. 

CHARLES  PINCKNEY  TO  AARON  BURRTO 

GEORGE  TOWN  Saturday  Morning  [1801] 

DEAR  SIR, — Mr.  Murray  a  gentleman  whom  I  knew  in 
South  Carolina  where  he  was  a  Member  of  OUT  Legislature 
wishes  to  have  an  introduction  to  you  and  as  I  have  had  a 
request  from  Doctor  Blyth  one  of  our  Electors  in  favour  of 
this  gentleman  I  take  the  liberty  of  recommending  him  to 
your  notice — he  will  explain  to  you.  the  reasons  of  delicacy 
I  mentioned  to  you,  prevent  me  from  writing  the  President 
on  applications  of  this  sort  and  I  must  apologize  for  taking  the 
liberty  with  you.  With  great  respect  and  esteem  I  am,  dear 
Sir,  Yours  truly, 

CHARLES  PINCKNEY.  70 

[Addressed]  The  Honourable  Aaron  Burr,  Vice  President  of 
the  United  States. 

EDWARD  LIVINGSTON  TO  MATTHEW  L.  DAVIS 

WASHINGTON,  February  5,  1801. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, — If  I  have  omitted  writing  to  my  friends  it 
has  been  hitherto  that  I  might  not  amuse  them  with  vain  con- 
jectures instead  of  satisfying  them  with  such  facts  as  might  be 

70(1758-1824).  He  was  prominent  in  Carolina  politics  at  this  time,  having  left  his 
associates,  the  Federalists,  to  be  the  leader  of  the  republican  party  in  the  State,  the  party 
which  favored  Jefferson.  Pinckney  became  United  States  Minister  to  Spain,  and, 
though  able,  never  attained  the  reputation  which  his  earlier  years  promised  to  give  him. 


64 

a  justification  for  the  serious  steps  which  untill  within  a  few 
hours  I  have  thought  it  might  be  necessary  to  take.  I  have 
no  longer  any  apprehension  on  that  score.  I  can  now  speak 
with  some  degree  of  confidence  and  have  great  pleasure  in 
assuring  you  that  all  fhe  little  intrigues  of  falling  ambition  all 
the  execrable  plans  of  violence  and  usurpation  will  in  a  few 
hours  after  you  read  this  be  defeated  by  the  election  of  Mr. 
Jefferson — eight  States,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsyl- 
vania, Virginia,  N.  C.,  Tennessee,  Kentucky  and  Georgia  and 
an  equal  division  of  Maryland  and  Vermont  were  pledged 
never  to  yield  the  wishes  of  the  people  to  the  cabals  of  a 
faction — this  determination  was  known  and  its  effects  foreseen. 
A  member  from  the  opposite  side  of  one  of  the  divided  States 
has  already  pledged  himself  to  decide  the  vote  of  his  State  in 
our  favor — there  is  great  probability  that  another  from  the 
remaining  divided  State  will  follow  his  example,  and  as  I  can 
not  learn  that  the  Representative  from  Delaware  has  firmly 
entered  into  the  views  of  his  party,  I  think  it  probable  that  he 
too  will  join  our  ballot. 

You  may  I  think  rely  as  fully  on  this  information  as  on  any 
that  the  nature  of  the  case  will  admit.  I  place  implicit 
confidence  in  it  myself  on  [and?]  look  on  the  result  as  certain. 
but  if  any  unforeseen  event  should  disappoint  our  hopes  and 
wishes,  you  may  rest  assured  that  our  City  shall  never  be 
disgraced  by  any  temporising  plan  or  acquescence  in  usurpa- 
tion on  the  part  of  its  representative  and  I  think  I  may  with- 
out danger  give  this  pledge  for  all  those  with  whom  he  acts. 

The  President  has  called  the  Senate  for  the  4th  of  March. 
What  the  object  is  can  only  be  got  at  by  those  who  study  the 
doctrine  of  chances  for  no  other  principles  than  those  which 
govern  the  turn  of  a  die  will  apply  to  the  caprice  of  his  politics. 
If  you  should  see  Mr.  Warner  I  pray  you  to  tell  him  that  I 
shall  be  enabled  in  a  day  or  two  to  send  him  some  accounts  of 
the  fate  of  the  Mechanics  Memorial.  Greet  all  my  friends  in 
the  transfer  Coffee  House  for  me,  and  believe  me  with  true 
regard,  Your  friend  and  fellow  Citizen. 

EDWARD  LIVINGSTON. 


65 

JONATHAN  RUSSELL  TO  AARON  BURR. 

PROVIDENCE,  26  June,  1801. 

SIR, — Agreeable  to  my  last  reports  to  you  I  waited  on  Mr. 
Lincoln71  at  Worcester.  He  received  me  with  sufficient 
urbanity  but  did  not  leave  me  long  in  the  dark  as  to  your 
motive  in  advising  caution.  Whether  the  promotion  of  Mr. 
Barnes  was  in  fact,  a  piece  of  favouritism  on  the  part  of  Mr. 
Lincoln,  or  he  felt  himself  committed  in  the  very  singular 
letter  he  wrote,  and  which  accompanied  the  commission,  to 
Mr.  Barnes  I  will  not  pretend  to  decide;  but  certainly  he  ap- 
peared anxious  to  apologize  for  what  was  done  and  insinuated 
that  the  imputation  of  levity  might  attach  to  administration 
by  an  alteration  of  the  arrangement.  On  my  part  I  was  too 
explicit  to  be  misunderstood.  I  know  not  whether  I  made  an 
impression  favourable  to  our  views  or  not,  but  Mr.  Lincoln 
engaged  that  in  the  interview  he  might  have  with  Mr.  Barnes 
nothing  should  escape  him,  incompatible  with  our  wishes. 
The  letter  which  I  have  since  written  him,  a  copy  whereof  you 
will  find  inclosed,  will  enable  you  to  ascertain  the  actual  state 
of  my  communications  with  him  better  than  any  history  of  the 
business  could  do. 

The  representation  with  respect  to  Ellery72  is  suspended  for 
the  present.  His  nephew,  the  senator,73  had  an  influence  in 
this  measure.  This  man  you  will  find  very  managable,  altho 
he  will  need  the  rein  rather  than  the  spur.  There  is  another 
representation  on  foot  relative  to  Lyman,  the  naval  officer  at 
New  Port,  but  I  believe  no  charge  of  misconduct  in  office  can 
be  urged  against  him.  The  Mr.  Gardner  who  is  proposed  for 
his  successor  is  a  republican  and  I  believe  a  very  good  man  but 
he  is  not  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  office  with 
more  ability  and  exactitude  than  the  present  incumbent. 

As  Timothy  Greene  Esquire  will  be  here  before  I  embark  I 
will  not  detain  you  with  further  details  but  reserve  myself  till 
his  arrival,  when,  if  you  should  not  object  to  my  communicat- 
ing thro'  him,  I  will  take  the  liberty  of  stating  some  matter 


71Levi  Lincoln  (1749-1820),  attorney  general  under  Jefferson. 

"William  Ellery  (1727-1820),  collector  of  the  port  of  Newport  From  1790  to  his  death- 

"Christopher  Ellery  (1768-1840). 


66 

worthy  of  consideration  and  which  requires  to  be  managed  with 
some  skill  and  delicacy. 

I  am,  with  the  most  respectful  considerations,  Your  very 
humble  Servant, 

JONA.  RUSSELL. 
Aaron  Burr,  Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr,  Vice  President  of  the  United 
States,  New  York. 

ELBRIDGE  GERRY  TO  AARON  BURR. 

CAMBRIDGE  18th  September  1801. 

DEAR  SIR, — This  will  be  delivered  by  Colo.  Lee,  a  fellow 
soldier  whose  merits  and  general  character  are  so  well  known  to 
yourself,  as  to  require  no  information  on  my  part,  as  his 
object  however  is  to  apply  for  the  collectorship  at  Salem,  if 
according  to  his  information  it  should  be  vacant,  I  cannot 
refrain  from  observing,  that  I  have  known  Colo.  Lee  from  his 
early  youth,  and  do  not  conceive,  that  in  the  County  of  Essex, 
of  which  we  are  natives,  there  is  a  person  who  will  offer  him- 
self as  a  candidate,  with  better  pretensions  in  regard  to  his 
moral,  political,  and  military  character,  and  his  public  ser- 
vices, than  those  of  Colo.  Lee.  his  politicks  are  and  always 
have  been  truly  republican,  and  his  abilities  are  fully  equal  and 
indeed  superior  to  the  office,  but  my  opinion  of  him,  I  wish 
to  be  tested  by  your  own,  and  those  of  your  friends  in  this 
quarter. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain  my  dear  Sir  with  the  highest 
sentiments  of  esteem  and  respect,  Your  obedient  Servant, 

E.  GERRY. 
Hon'ble  Colo.  Burr, 
Vice  President  of  the  U.  States. 

HENRY  DEARBORN  TO  AARON  BURR. 

War  Department 

6th  Nov.  1801. 
Sir 

I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  27th  ulto.  and  have 
given  order  for  a  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Gentlemen 


67 

of  Schenectady,  for  the  discharge  of  Nicholas  Sluyter.     I  have 
the  honour  to  be  Very  respectfully,  Sir,  Your  mo.  ob.  Serv 

H.  DEARBORN. 

[Addressed]  The  Hon'ble  Aaron  Burr,  Vice-President  U.S., 
Albany.  [Readdressed  to]  New  York,  N.Y. 

C.  A.  RODNEY  TO  AARON  BURR. 

WILMINGTON  December  20.  1801. 

HONORED  AND  DEAR  SIR, — I  have  been  daily  anticipating 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  here  and  having  received  a  letter 
from  our  friend  Mr.  Edwards  that  you  were  still  at  New- York 
I  loose  not  a  moment  in  informing  you  that  added  to  the  many 
personal  considerations  I  have  for  wishing  to  see  you,  there  are 
at  present  strong  political  reasons. 

Notwithstanding  our  Chancellor  has  been  prevailed  on  to 
resign  (in  a  manner  with  which  I  will  at  a  proper  time  make 
you  acquainted)  in  consequence  of  which  they  obtain  the 
appointment  of  that  officer  and  as  our  present  Attorney 
General  N.  Ridgely  is  to  be  the  man  they  also  obtain  the 
appointment  of  a  new  Att'y  General  it  has  been  lately  settled 
to  dispute  the  election  of  Governor.  Their  object  is,  and  they 
have  the  members  in  our  legislature  to  do  it,  to  declare  their 
candidate  General  Mitchell  the  Governor  (duly  elected)  as 
having  most  legal  votes. 

This  I  fear  will  occasion  consequences  to  be  lamented  by  all. 
On  this  important  and  interesting  subject  I  wish  to  consult 
you  and  that  you  may  be  informed  of  the  course  we  mean  to 
pursue  with  the  approbation  of  our  friends  elsewhere. 

Rest  assured  the  idea  was  at  one  period  totally  abandoned 
and  it  is  now  taken  up  with  a  general  view  upon  advising  with 
others  from  different  parts.  In  every  stage  it  will  be  our  duty 
to  behave  with  prudence  and  moderation,  but  at  the  same 
time  with  the  firmness  of  a  "Spartan  band." 

With  great  esteem  and  respect  believe  me  Dear  Sir  Yours 
Most  Sincerely 

C.  A.  RODNEY. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr,  V.President  of  the  U.  States,  New- 
York. 


HORATIO  GATES  TO  AARON  BURR. 

NEW  YORK  5th.  Jan'ry  1802 
MY  DEAR  SIR 

In  compliance  with  your  request,  I  enclose  two  of  Mr. 
Garnett's74  Projects;  and  that  I  may  not  be  to  late  for  the 
post,  send  my  Letter  immediately  to  the  Post  Office.     I  hope 
You  will  arrive  at  Washington  before  the  Session  is  over. 
I  am  affectionately  Yours 

HORATIO  GATES. 

[Addressed]  Cut  off    U.  States,     [  ]  delphia. 

[Memorandum]  Gen'l  Gates  5  Jan.  1802. 

ISAIAH  BLOOMFIELD  TO  AARON  BURR. 

BURLINGTON  January  llth  1802. 

DEAR  SIR, — Mr.  Rossell  has  been  with  me,  the  two  last  days 
on  a  visit.  I  mentioned  our  conversation,  respecting  the  office 
of  Superviser.  It  was  very  gratifying  to  him,  to  know  the 
part  you  took  in  his  interest.  He  agrees  with  me,  in  the 
opinion  I  took  the  liberty  to  express  to  you,  considering  the 
necessity  of  union  of  every  influential  Republican  in  this 
State,  and  great  propriety  of  supporting  the  nominations  of 
the  President;  it  is  his  fervent  wish,  (and  desired  me  so  to 
write  to 'you)  that  Mr.  Linn  may  be  confirmed  in  his  appoint- 
ment by  the  Senate.  Mr.  Rossell  has  taken  charge  of  a 
letter  from  me,  to  Philip  Freneau;  in  which,  I  enclose  Mr. 
Motts  on  the  subject  of  Mr.  Granger's  inquiry,  and  have 
recommended  Freneau,  immediately  on  its  reception,  to  write 
to  Washington  and  to  visit  me. 

I  took  the  liberty  to  inform  him,  that  I  believed,  you  was 
very  much  his  friend  on  this  occasion. 

As  Freneau's  present  situation,  needs  the  assistance  of 
those  who  are  disposed  and  have  the  power  to  employ  his 
talents  in  a  useful  manner,  in  the  service  of  the  public,  I  have 
written  to  Mr.  Mott  and  his  colleagues,  to  do  all  they  can  to 
effect  this  desirable  object. 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  add  to  the  great  respect  and  esteem 
with  which,  I  am.  Most  truly  and  sincerely  Your  Friend, 

FH  BLOOMFIELD. 
The  Honourable  The  Vice-President  of  the  U.  States. 


"Probably  James  Mercer  Garnett  (1770-1843),  of  Virginia,  interested  in  agriculture, 
instruction,  and  politics. 


69 

JOHN  DICKINSON  TO  AARON  BURR. 

WILMINGTON  the  23d  of  the  1st  Month  1802. 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND, — Be  pleased  to  accept  my  thanks  for  thy 
very  kind  letter  of  the  20th  instant.  It  will  prepare  us  for 
meeting  reports,  that  otherwise  would  have  been  extremely 
distressing. 

About  five  or  six  years  ago  at  his  place  near  Philadelphia 
the  Dr.75  fell  in  the  same  manner.  Therefore  by  this  last 
disorder  I  am  induced  to  fear,  there  is  some  tenderness  or 
defect  in  his  constitution  which  requires  the  utmost  attention. 
May  it  not  be  proper  to  communicate  this  intelligence  to  Dr. 
Eustis?76 

Dr.  Logan's  love  of  country,  candor  of  spirit,  and  boundless 
benevolence,  render  his  life  inestimable. 

With  every  respectful  consideration,  I  am  Thy  truely  affec- 
tionate Friend, 

JOHN  DICKINSON. 
Aaron  Burr,  Vice  president. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr,  Vice  president  in  Congress. 

•     ALEXANDER  JAMES  DALLAS  TO  AARON  BURR." 

3d  Feb:  1802. 

DEAR  SIR, — I  received  your  favor  of  the  [blank]  instant.  I 
will  attend  to  your  Director,  if  ever  the  proposed  Bank  should 
reach  the  point  of  organization,  which  I  very  much  doubt. 

On  the  judiciary  question,  I  wrote  my  sentiments  to  Mr. 
Wilson  Nicholas,  early  in  the  Session.  I  am  sorry  our  friends 
have  taken  so  peremptory  a  position,  as  the  very  circumstances 
of  having  taken  it,  will  render  it  difficult  to  move  them.  I 
cannot  concur  with  them  in  the  policy  ,  or  expediency  of  the 
measure.  The  business  of  the  Court  will  not  allow  me  to  give 
my  reasons  in  detail;  but  you  shall  have  my  Brief. 

1.     There  never  was  a  case  in  which  a  party  could  be  more 
justified  in  expressing  their  resentment,  on  account  of 
the  manner  of  passing  the  Act: 

"Dr.  George  Logan  (1753-1821),  at  this  time  United  States  Senator  from  Pennsylvania. 
He  is  best  known  as  the  occasion  for  the  so-called  Logan  act  of  1798,  providing  against 
officious  meddling  in  foreign  relations  by  a  citizen.  He  was  a  Quaker. 

"William  Eustis  (1753-1825),  at  this  time  a  member  of  Congress  from  Massachusetts. 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "  Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr, "  vol.  2,  p.  81. 


70 

the  manner  of  organizing  the  Courts: 
the  nature  of  the  opposition  to  the  repeal,  denying 
its  Constitutionality,  and  menacing  a  civil  war. 

2.  The  repeal  would  be  Constitutional,  from  a  review  of 

the  principles  and  terms  of  the  Constition  itself. 

of  the  peculiar  situation  of  the  Country,  its  growing 
population,  its  extending  prospects,  its  encreasing 
wants,  pursuits,  and  refinements  etc.  etc. 

of  the  analogy  to  the  judiciary  institution  of  England, 
where  independence  of  the  Legislature,  is  not  with- 
in the  policy  or  provision  of  the  Statutes  relative  to 
the  Commissions  of  the  Judges. 

of  the  analogy  to  the  judiciary  institutions  of  the 
sister  States,  which  have  all  been  subject  to  Legis- 
lative interference  occasionally.  In  Pennsylvania, 
particularly,  the  Constitution  declares  that  the 
Judges  shall  hold  their  Commissions  during  good 
behaviour;  yet  it  expressly  authorises  the  Legis- 
lature to  abolish  the  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  etc. 

and  of  the  precedents  in  the  existing  Act  of  Congress, 
which  is  an  exercise  of  the  power,  sub  modo. 

3.  But  notwithstanding  the  indignation  I  feel,  in  common 
with  our  friends,  at  the  manner  of  passing  the  Circuit 
Court  Act;  and  notwithstanding  my  perfect  conviction, 
that  Congress  has  the  power  of  repealing  the  Act,  I 
think  the  repeal  would  be  impolitic,  and  inexpedient: 
If  it  would  be  impolitic,  acting  on  party  principles,  it 
would  be  inexpedient  of  course;  but  I  mean,  also,  that 
it  would  [be]  inexpedient,  on  account  of  the  use  that 
Pennsylvania   (and  I  presume  the  same   as  to  other 
States)  has  derived  from  the  institution: 

1.     It  is  impolitic. 

The  Republicans  are  not  agreed  on  the  Consti- 
tutionality of  the  repeal. 

The  People,  at  large,  have  imbibed  strong  preju- 
dices on  the  subject  of  judicial  independence. 

The  repeal  would  be  ascribed  to  party  animosity  ; 
and,  if  future  amendments  should  be  made,  it 


71 

would  be  considered  as  a  personal  proceeding, 
merely  to  remove  the  present  Judges. 

The  hazard  of  loss  in  public  opinion  is  greater 
than  the  hope  of  gain.  There  is  a  mass  of  the 
community,  that  will  not  be  fermented  by  the 
leven  of  party  passions.  By  persons  of  this 
description  the  motive  and  effect  will  be 
strictly  analyzed  and  pursued. 

The  mere  resuscitation  of  the  old  system,  will 
either  expose  the  administration  of  justice  to 
inconceivable  embarrassments,  or  demon- 
strate the  motive  to  be,  abstractedly,  a  part[y] 
one,  by  calling  for  an  immediate  reform. 

The  clamour  of  the  Federalists  will  at  least  have 

a  colourable  foundation. 
2.     It  is  inexpedient. 

The  mere  repeal  will  reinstate  a  system,  which 
every  man  of  common  sense  and  candor  must 
deprecate. 

It  will  entirely  destroy  institutions  susceptible 
of  being  modelled  into  a  form,  oeconomical  as 
well  as  useful. 

It  will  deprive  some  States  of  Tribunals,  which 
have  been  found  highly  advantageous  to  the 
dispatch  of  business.  I  allude  particularly  to 
Penn'a.  In  this  State,  Justice,  as  far  as 
respects  our  State  Courts,  is  in  a  state  of  dis- 
solution, from  the  excess  of  business,  and  the 
parsimony  of  the  Legislature. 
With  this  view  of  the  subject,  you  will  perceive,  that  I  think 

1.  There  ought  not  to  be  a  total  repeal. 

2.  There  ought  to  be  amendments. 

If,  however,  a  repeal  should  take  place,  I  am  clearly  of 
opinion,  that  it  would  be  unjustifiable  to  make  any  provision 
for  the  Ex-Judges.  On  this  point,  and  on  the  introduction  of 
amendments,  I  will,  if  you  desire  it,  amplify  by  a  future  post. 

The  zealous  Republicans  are  exciting  some  intemperance 
here,  in  opposition  to  a  Memorial  from  our  Bar,  which,  you 
will  perceive,  is  confined  to  the  operation  of  the  Law  in  this 


72 

State,  as  a  matter  of  fact,  and  not  to  any  controversy  of  a 
Constitutional,  or  political  nature. 

I  shall  be  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  as  often  as  you  can  spare 
a  moment;  and  particularly  while  the  Judiciary  Bill  is  de- 
pending. 

I  am,  with  great  regard,  Sir, 

A.  J.  DALLAS. 
M.  WILLETT  TO  AARON  BuRR.78 

NEW  YORK  4th  February  1802. 

DEAR  SIR, — What  a  racket  this  vile  Judiciary  Law  makes. 
It  must  be  repealed.  But  how  the  Judges  who  have  their 
appointment  during  good  behaviour  are  to  be  removed  without 
making  a  breach  in  the  Constitution  is  beyond  my  abilities  to 
develope.  It  will  not  however  be  the  first  rape  on  that  instru- 
ment, and  if  two  wrongs  could  make  one  right  this  account 
might  be  squared.  But  that  horrid  Law  must,  indeed  it  must 
be  repealed. 

I  have  received  your  two  favours  together,  one  dated  28th 
January  and  the  other  without  date.  The  effect  of  the 
abolision  of  the  internal  taxes  on  Mr.  0[sgood]  gives  me  no 
concern.  He  has  plenty  of  other  business  and  money  enough 
without  that.  I  am  more  concerned  about  the  nonentity  of 
my  fortification  agency.  This  is  an  opperation  which  might 
be  executed  with  peculiar  advantage  the  ensuing  summer  nor 
do  I  think  a  substantial  reason  can  be  assigned  for  omiting  it. 
I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  that  our  memorial  has  succeded.  The 
omission  of  the  Governmental  officers  in  suffering  such  large 
and  long  defaulcations  is  our  strong  ground.  As  the  present 
Comptroler  is  one  of  those  officers,  some  watchfulness  may  be 
necessary  to  prevent  foul  play.  I  have  nothing  new.  Mr. 
V  Derline79  is  at  Col.  Smiths  with  his  drawing  materials  and 
has  taken  lodgings  with  Capt.  Pearsey.  He  has  made  me  a 
beautifull  picture.  He  promises  to  be  more  attentive  in 
writing  to  you. 

God  bless  you.  You  have  my  prayers  always.  And  who 
dare  say  they  are  not  as  good  as  a  Bishops,  or  any  member  of 

"Printed  in  Davis's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  2,  p.  173. 

"John  Vanderlyn  (1775-1852)  painted  a  portrait  of  Aaron  Burr  which  belongs  to  the 
New  York  Historical  Society. 


73 

a  Presbiterian  Synod.  Sometimes  I  think  I'll  turn  presbi- 
terian  that  I  may  have  the  benefit  of  their  prayers  not  to  out 
live  my  usefull  days.  An  event  I  deprecate  above  all  others. 
And  this  is  a  prayer  I  never  heard  in  our  Church.  I  mean  my 
church  which  you  know  is  the  Episcopal. 
Most  sincerely  am  I  Dear  Sir  Yours, 

M.  WILLETT. 
Col.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  Aaron  Burr  Esquire,  Vice  President  of  the 
United  States.  Washington  City. 

THOMAS  TRUXTUNSO  TO  AARON  BURR. 

NORFOLK  14th  February  1802. 

MY  DEAR  SIR, — I  got  here  a  few  days  ago  and  have  seen 
many,  very  many  of  your  friends  indeed,  and  you  are  toasted 
daily  which  gives  me  much  pleasure;  Altho'  I  knew  it  was  the 
case  and  would  daily  be  more  and  more  so  with  certain  charac- 
ters, yet  I  had  no  idea  changes  could  have  become  so  great  as 

I  find  them  in  half  a  year.     P is  your  friend  but  he 

exceeds  a  want  of  common  decency  in  his  declaration  of  other 
gentlemen.  It  is  true  his  observations  are  calculated  for  the 
mob  on  election  grounds — but  they  ought  to  be  dispensed  with 
in  the  society  of  gentlemen;  but  upon  the  whole  he  will  do 
good  and  I  most  sincerely  anticipate  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you 
in  the  possession  of  the  first  office  under  our  blessed  Constitu- 
tion after  the  3d  of  March  1805,  and  I  pray  that  events  may 
turn  up  to  put  you  there  before.  I  cannot  be  a  hypocrite  to 
effect  even  the  esteem  of  a  man  or  of  men  who  I  don't  believe 
has  at  heart  those  principles  which  are  necessary  to  give 
character  and  consequence  to  our  beloved  country,  which 
under  the  auspices  of  sence  and  greatness,  would  rival  in  a 
few  years  the  greatest  powers  of  Europe. 

I  am  not  afraid  to  think  and  to  speak  whenever  I  deem  it 
necessary  or  usefull  and  if  I  was  mean  enough  to  be  actuated 
by  a  fear  of  losing  an  appointment,  I  hold  none  that  can 
check  me.  My  friends  in  politiks  are  aware  of  your  situation 
and  how  cautious  you  ought  to  be  just  now.  And  there  are 
those  here  who  you  dont  know — that  have  lately  been  at 

«°(1755-1822.)  He  went  to  Norfolk  to  take  command  of  the  fleet  for  the  war  with  Tripoli. 


74 

Washington  and  have  heard  enough  drop  from  certain  char- 
acters, to  convince  them  and  this  society,  that  you  are  not  in 

the  confidence  of .    The  repeal  of  the  Judiciary  law 

has  roused  here  Federalists  and  even  Jacobins,  and  will  unite 
them  against  such  proceedings  which  threatens  annihilation 
to  our  Constitution. 

I  have  delivered  your  message  to  W.  respecting  the  affairs 
of  R.  he  thanks  you,  but  I  have  not  delivered  your  message 

to  the  lovely  S that  you  wish  to  see  her  and  her  father  at 

Washington — tho'  I  have  told  her  I  had  a  message  which  I 
should  deliver  before  I  sailed,  and  like  all  women  she  is 
impatient  to  hear  it  and  declares  I  must  tell  her  immediately. 
I  find  the  Chesapeake  in  a  backward  state,  but  shall  hurry  her 
preparations  and  equipment.  You  must  take  care  of  Alexan- 
der Hamilton,  King,  Pinckney,  and  Patterson,  besides  all 
those  at  the  head  of  Departments,  at  least  one  of  those 
nearest  to . 

M is  not  satisfied  where  he  is  and  if  his  friendship  for 

is  at  an  end,  you  have  none  to  calculate  from  him.     I 

am  this  moment  called  to  sup  with  the  amiable  and  the  fair 
and  we  shall  talk  of  you  as  usual  before  we  rise. 

With  great  attachment  I  have  the  honor  to  be  Dear  Sir 
Your  very  obedient  humble  Servant, 

THOMAS  TRUXTUN. 
Hon'ble  Aaron  Burr,  Esq., 
V.P.,  U.S. 

[Addressed]  Honorable  Aaron  Burr  Esqr.,  Vice  President  of 
the  U.  S.  Washington. 

JAMES  JACKSONSI  TO  AARON  BURR. 

Saturday  Morning. 
[March,  1802.] 

DEAR  SIR, — I  have  positively  declined  the  being  run  for  the 
Chair.  Who  do  you  think  best  qualified  on  our  side  the  house? 
it  will  not  do  to  spare  General  Mason,82  or  Breckenridge.83 


"(1757-1806),  United  States  Senator  from  Georgia. 

"Stevens  Thomson  Mason  (1760-1803),  United  States  Senator  from  Virginia. 

"John  Breckinridge  (1760-1806),  United  States  Senator  from  Kentucky. 


75 

What  I  mentioned  last  evening  as  to  a  publication  I  wish 
to  go  no  further,  as  I  have  decided  to  drop  it.  I  allude  to 
T &  D . 

I  take  this  opportunity  to  express  my  thanks  to  you  (for 
I  suppose  it  must  have  come  from  you)  for  the  Medal  of 
General  Gates,  and  should  I  not  see  you  again,  wish  you  a  safe 
and  pleasant  journey  and  shall  expect  to  be  honored  with  a 
line  on  my  reaching  Savannah. 

I  am  Dear  Sir  with  great  respect,  Your  Obedient  Servant, 

JAS.  JACKSON. 
Hon'ble  Aaron  Burr 

Vice  President  U.  States. 

It  is  objected  to  Baldwin84  that  it  is  improper  as  the  same 
honor  is  not  paid  twice.  What  think  you  of  Bradley?85 

[Addressed]  Hon'ble  Vice  President,  U.  States. 

GIDEON  GRANGER  TO  AARON  BURR. 

March  10th  1802. 

Allow  me  my  friend  to  Introduce  to  your  acquaintance  Mr. 
Luther  Pratt  a  republican  Printer  of  East  Windsor  in  Con- 
necticut, He  proposes  establishing  a  Political  Magazine  and 
wishes  Patronage.  His  sufferings  while  a  Printer  as  Tory  and 
his  merits  as  a  steadfast  Republican  entitle  him  to  Patronage. 
Yours  sincerely, 
The  Vice  President  GID'N  GRANGER. 

SAMUEL  S.  SMITH  TO  AARON  BURR. 

PRINCETON  March  13th  1802. 
DEAR  SIR, 

The  edifice  of  the  college  in  this  place,  together  with  three 
libraries  containing  about  three  thousand  volumes,  was,  a  few 
days  ago,  entirely  consumed  by  fire.  It  is  not  known  whether 
this  event  was  the  effect  of  accident  or  of  design;  but  common- 
ly supposed  to  be  of  design.  In  our  determination  immediate- 
ly to  rebuild  it,  and,  if  possible,  to  improve  its  structure,  it 
is  become  necessary  to  apply  to  the  benevolence  of  the  public; 
and  in  order  to  do  this  with  success,  to  solicit  the  influence  and 

^Abraham  Baldwin  (1754-1807),  United  States  Senator  from  Georgia,  and  at  this  time 
President  pro  tern  of  the  Senate. 

"Stephen  Row  Bradley  (1754-1830),  United  States  Senator  from  Vermont. 


76 

aid  of  those  of  its  sons  who  are  most  distinguished  for  their 
talents,  and  the  high  reputation  of  their  names.  But,  besides 
these  advantages  which  point  you  out  to  the  trustees  among 
the  first,  the  college  holds,  perhaps,  a  peculiar  relation  to  you, 
owing  its  existence,  as  it  does,  principally  to  the  extraordinary 
merits  and  exertions  of  a  father  so  greatly  and  justly  respected. 
Can  I  hope,  Sir,  for  your  particular  interest  in  this  important 
object,  and  your  recommendation  of  it,  both  at  the  seat  of 
government,  and  to  your  friends  in  New- York?  And  will  you 
be  good  enough  to  suggest  any  improvement  in  the  general 
plan  of  the  institution  which  may  occur  to  you.  Subscrip- 
tions are  opening  with  considerable  vigor  in  different  parts  of 
New  Jersey,  and  in  Philadelphia;  and,  hitherto,  we  entertain 
sanguine  hopes  of  completing  the  building  in  the  course  of  the 
next  Slimmer.  I  have  written  also  to  Mr  Madison,  and  some 
other  gentlemen  in  Congress  on  the  same  subject  requesting 
them  to  co-operate  with  you,  if  you  will  be  good  enough  to  take 
the  intrest  in  it  which  we  hope.  I  am,  most  respectfully, 
Dear  Sir,  Yr  Mo  obdt  &  Mo  hble  Servt. 

SAMUEL  S.  SMITH. 

[Addressed]  His  Excellency  Aaron  Burr,  Vice  President  of 
the  United  States. 

URIAH  TRACY86  TO  AARON  BURR 

The  Sermon  for  which  I  am  indebted  to  your  goodness,  is  now 
returned  with  many  thanks  for  the  loan. 

I  have  perused  it  with  pleasure,  &  I  hope,  profit.  It  is  an 
excellent  treatise,  worthy  of  the  attention  of  every  man  and 
more  emphatically  so  of  men  in  high  &  responsible  stations  in 
Govt. 

Our  tune  is  short,  my  friend,  too  short  to  allow  an  opp'y  of 
retrieving  almost  any  mispence  of  it ;  much  more  so,  to  allow  a 
redemption  for  any  neglect  to  perform  great  public  services, 
when  once  happily  in  our  power.  God  grant  that  you  may  be 
profited  by  this  and  in  turn  be  more  profitable  to  this  dis- 
tracted Nation. 

U.  Tracy. 

29th  March,  [1802.] 
Vice  Prest. 

"(1755-1807),  once  a  United  States  Senator  from  Connecticut,  at  this  time  a  resident 
of  Washington. 


77 

JOHN  RANDOLPH  TO  AARON  BURR 

John  Randolph  finds,  to  his  extreme  surprize  and  chagrin, 
that  the  house  of  representatives,  instead  of  acting  on  the 
business  of  the  nation,  have,  by  the  vote  of  a  great  majority, 
gone  into  committee  of  the  whole  on  a  complicated  private 
claim,  not  comprised  in  the  report  of  the  joint  committee  of 
the  two  houses.     He  therefore  despairs,  utterly,  of  getting 
away  before  the  middle  of  next  week.     He  is  not  vain  enough 
to  suppose  that  Col.  B.  will  postpone  his  departure  on  that 
account: — but  he  shall  be  highly  gratified  by  any  cause  of 
detention  not  disagreable  to  Col  B.  which  shall  give  J.  R.  the 
pleasure  of  accompanying  him  thro  Virginia, 
friday  Noon. 
15  April  [1802] 
[Addressed]  Col.  Burr. 

JAMES  BIDDLE  TO  AARON  BuRR.87 

U.  S.  Ship  Constellation  at 
Gibraltar  May  8.  1802. 

DEAR  SUR, — As  the  frigate  Philadelphia  will  sail  in  a  few 
days  for  America,  I  cannot  neglect  so  good  an  opportunity  of 
writing  and  returning  you  my  sincere  thanks,  for  the  marked 
civilities  I  have  received  at  all  times  from  you,  particularly  at 
New  York,  the  summer  of  1800.  Be  assured,  Sir,  I  feel  the 
livliest  sense  of  the  obligations  I  am  under  for  the  many 
favours  conferred  upon  me,  and  shall  ever  feel  extremely 
happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  render  you  any  service. 

Owing  to  our  being  perplexed  with  almost  constant  easterly 
winds,  we  did  not  make  the  land  until  the  24th  Ulto.  when  we 
made  Cape  Cantin  on  the  Coast  of  Africa.  On  the  28th  we 
got  into  the  Streights  of  Gibraltar,  but  the  wind  heading  us  off 
the  Rock,  we  were  obliged  to  bear  away  for  Malaga.  There 
we  found  the  Essex  and  Philadelphia  at  anchor.  On  the  3rd 
Inst.  we  left  Malaga,  and  arrived  here  in  company  with  the 
Philadelphia  and  Essex,  on  the  fifth  and  I  expect  to  remain 
here  until  Commodore  Truxtun  arrives  on  the  Station. 

While  the  ship  lay  at  Malaga,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
everything  that  could  attract  the  eye  of  a  stranger.  The 

"Printed  in  Davia's  "Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  vol.  2,  p.  197. 


78 

country  round  the  city  is  extremely  fertile,  abounding  with  all 
the  different  kinds  of  fruit  trees.  Indeed  the  lower  class  of 
the  Spaniards  subsist  almost  entirely  upon  fruit,  the  produce 
of  the  country,  the  chief  articles  of  exportation  being  grapes, 
figs,  anchovies,  raisins,  oranges,  wines  etc.  etc.  Their  streets 
are  very  narrow,  running  at  random  in  every  direction,  their 
houses  are  mostly  built  of  marble,  four  stories  high,  different 
families  occupying  different  stories  of  the  same  house.  They 
have  two  or  three  forts  built  on  eminences  adjacent  to  the 
city,  for  its  protection,  but  they  are  decaying,  and  out  of  order. 

I  anticipate  enjoying  a  very  pleasant  cruize,  as  we  seem  to 
be  favored  with  every  thing  that  could  render  our  situation 
agreeable.  Capt.  Murray  is  one  of  the  best  of  men,  and 
treats  us  with  all  the  kindness  and  attention  we  could  wish; 
the  climate  is  very  healthy  and  mild;  the  Tripolitans,  keep 
among  themselves,  and  never  venture  out,  so  that  we  shall 
have  nothing  to  do,  but  visit  the  different  ports  of  the  Medi- 
terranean; and  the  closest  friendship,  and  social  harmony  pre- 
vails among  the  officers  of  the  ship ;  every  thing,  in  short,  that 
we  could  wish,  we  seem  to  have,  to  make  our  situation  com- 
fortable. 

Pray  remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  Alston,  and  Believe  me, 
with  much  esteem  and  respect,  Dear  Sir,  Your  most  obedient 
humble  Servant, 

JAMES  BIDDLE. 
Hon.  A.  Burr  Esq'e. 

[Addressed]  The  Hon'ble  A.  Burr  Esquire,  V.  President  of 
the  U.  States,  City  of  Washington.  [The  "City  of  Washing- 
ton" is  crossed  out,  the  letter  evidently  being  forwarded  from 
there  to  "  New  York. "]  Favored  by  Mr.  Cl.  Biddle  Jun'r. 

JOHN  TAYLOR  TO  AARON  BuRR.88 

Virginia,  Caroline,  May  25,  1802. 

DEAR  SIR, — Your  favor,  covering  the  medal  struck  to  com- 
memorate the  most  brilliant  exploit  of  the  American  War, 
from  some  cause  unknown  to  me,  never  arrived  until  this 
instant;  it  is  particularly  acceptable,  from  the  circumstance 


"Printed  in  Davis's  "  Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr, "  vol.  2,  p.  198. 


79 

of  my  having  imbibed  a  personal  affection  for  General  Gates, 
by  having  served  under  him  for  a  few  months. 

It  would  be  quite  premature  in  me  to  consider,  whether  I 
would  go  into  congress,  unless  it  was  probable  that  I  could. 
The  government  have  no  means  of  providing  for  the  gentle- 
man you  mention,  and  if  they  had,  to  do  so,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  room  for  another,  might  expose  them  to  censure, 
which  they  will  hardly  encounter.  As  to  a  voluntary  resigna- 
tion of  his  station,  there  are  some  circumstances  in  his  case, 
which  do  really  justify  him  in  refusing  to  do  it,  unless  for  some 
better  prospect  of  public  benefit. 

Not  until  some  days  after  you  had  left  this,  was  it  dis- 
covered that  you  had  forgotten  your  traveling  map.  I 
lamented  the  inconveniences  to  which  the  oversight  would 
expose  you,  but  had  no  mode  of  removing  them,  despairing, 
from  a  recollection  of  your  horses,  that  either  of  mine  would  be 
fleet  enough  to  overtake  you.  The  map  could  therefore  only 
be  taken  care  of,  for  the  purpose  of  being  restored  to  you. 
Permit  me  to  hope,  that  you  will  allow  me  to  do  this  at  my 
own  house  as  you  return,  and  that  you  will  apprise  me  of  your 
resolution  to  do  so,  both  that  I  may  be  at  home,  and  that  I 
may  enjoy  the  hope  of  your  company,  before  the  pleasure  is 
realized.  Farewell.  Yours  sincerely  and  respectfully, 

JOHN  TAYLOR. 

[Addressed]  The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  Charles- 
ton, South  Carolina. 

JAMES  HiLLHOusE89  TO  AARON  BURR 
Mr.  Hillhouse  will  have  the  honor  of  dining  with  the  Vice 
President  tomorrow  agreeably  to  his  invitation. 
Dec.  20th.  [1802] 
[Addressed]  Vice  President  United  States. 

JAMES  MADISON  TO  MATTHEW  L.  DAVIS. 

WASHINGTON  Nov.  26,  1803. 
Sir 

I  have  read  your  letter  of  the  21st  making  certain  enquiries 
relative  to  your  brother  George  Davis.90  The  last  letter  from 

"(1754-1832),  United  States  Senator  from  Connecticut. 

"Appointed  a  surgeon  in  the  United  States  Navy,  January,  1800,  by  John  Adama. 
He  later  was  consul  at  Tunis  and  Tripoli. 


80 

him  to  the  Dept.  of  State  was  dated  July  3d  last.  From  the 
communications  of  Mr.  Cathcart91  it  appears  that  he  left  your 
brother  at  Tunis  early  in  September.  Mr.  Cathcart  was 
appointed  successor  to  Mr.  Eaton,  but  was  not  reed,  by  the 
Bey.  No  successor  to  Mr.  Cathcart  has  been  named  by  the 
President.  I  am  Sir  respectfully,  Yr.  obed.  Ser. 

JAMES  MADISON. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG92  TO  AARON  BURR 

Mr.  Armstrong  will  have  the  honor  of  dining  with  Mr.  Burr 
on  Tuesday  next. 
Monday. 

[Addressed]    The  Vice  President. 

DANIEL  D.  TOMPKINS  TO  AARON  BURR. 

NEW  YORK  5  Dec.  1803 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  filed  the  Bill  in  Chancery  and  obtained  and  served 
an  injunction.  The  rules  of  the  Court  requiring  a  deposit 
with  the  Register  of  $100,  I  paid  him  that  sum. 

By  the  newspapers  it  appears  that  Genl.  Ledyard  is  dead, 
and  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  Phelps  should  attempt  to 
avail  himself  of  this  circumstance  to  obtain  an  order  to  dis- 
solve the  injunction;  which  will  enable  him  to  try  his  cause  at 
the  sittings  in  this  month  in  case  the  Court  should  proceed  far 
enough  in  the  calendar  of  causes  for  trial. 

I  am  not  advised  who  are  the  heirs  of  Mr.  Ledyard  and  in 
case  a  successful  attempt  should  be  made  to  dissolve  the  in- 
junction, my  ignorance  of  the  names  of  the  persons  to  make 
parties  in  Mr.  B.  Ledyard's  stead,  will  put  it  out  of  my  power 
immediately  to  obtain  another  injunction. 


•lJames  Leander  Cathcart,  was  nominated  July  7,  1797,  by  President  Adams,  to  be 
Consul  General  of  the  United  States  for  the  city  and  kingdom  of  Tripoli.  Cathcart  was 
a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  but  had  been  for  many  years  a  prisoner  in  Algiers  and  for 
some  years  "head  Christian  clerk"  to  the  Dey  of  Algiers.  In  February,  1802,  Jefferson 
had  nominated  him  to  be  consul  at  Algiers  in  place  of  Richard  O'Brian,  and  in  November, 
1803,  to  be  consul  at  Tunis,  in  place  of  William  Eaton,  resigned. 

»*(1755-1843),  United  States  Senator  from  New  York. 


81 

Would  it  not  be  well  for  you  to  drop  me  a  letter  stating  the 
material  papers  in  Mr.  Ledyard's  possession  wanted  upon  a 
trial,  which  letter  will  enable  me  I  doubt  not  to  postpone  the 
trial  of  the  suit  at  law,  should  an  effort  to  postpone  become 
necessary. 

I  presume  my  agent  in  Albany  has  not  arrived  to  the  grade 
of  a  Counsellor  in  Chancery.  Should  you  therefore  have  any 
friend  in  Albany  to  whom  you  could  refer  me  to  oppose  a 
motion  before  the  Chancellor,  have  the  goodness  to  mention 
it  in  your  letter.  I  am  Dr  Sir  respectfully  your  Sert 

DANIEL  D.  TOMPKINS 
The  Honb.  A.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  The  Honorable  Aaron  Burr,  Washington. 

JONATHAN  DAYTON93  TO  AARON  BURR 

December,  1803. 
DEAR  SIR, 

Owing  to  the  weather  and  another  cause  not  necessary  or 
proper  to  be  explained,  I  have  entirely  abandonded  my  inten- 
tion of  visiting  Annapolis. 

I  know  of  no  party  going  there.  Mr.  Purviance94  was  to 
have  accompanied  me,  and  taken  dinner  with  General  Stone95 
tomorrow,  but  he  now  speaks  doubtfully  of  the  jaunt,  and  I 
suspect  will  give  it  up. 

I  hope  that  you  will  not  dissapoint  Genl.  S.  especially  as  he 
has  taken  from  hence  three  or  four  pairs  of  ducks  to  treat  you, 
and  something  still  better  will  have  been  prepared  for  me  at 
his  house,  which  I  herewith  transfer  to  you.  Sincerely 

J.  DAYTON. 

If  you  meet  with  Miss  Murray,  take  an  occasion,  I  pray  you, 
of  saying  that  I  was  coming  to  Anns,  but  prevented  by  sick- 
ness. 

[Addressed]  Honorable  A.  Burr,  Esqr. 


"(1760-1824),  United  States  Senator  from  New  Jersey. 

MSamuel  D.  Purviance,  a  member  of  Congress  from  North  Carolina. 

"Probably  John  Hoskin  Stone  (1745-1804). 


82 


JOHN  ADAMS  TO  AARON  BURR. 

Mr.  Adams  present  his  respects  to  the  Vice-President,  and 
is  happy  to  accept  his  obliging  invitation  to  dinner  to-morrow. 
8.  Jan'yl804. 

[Addressed]  The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States. 

ROBERT  G.  HARPER  TO  AARON  BURR. 

WASHINGTON  Mar.  5th.  1804. 
SIR,— 

It  has  occurred  to  me  that  the  Court  of  Impeachment,  in 
deciding  on  the  question  now  before  it,  may  be  desirous  of 
seeing  the  evidence  intended  to  be  adduced,  in  support  of  the 
suggestion  of  Judge  Pickering's96  insanity.  I  have  therefore 
taken  the  liberty  of  enclosing  the  depositions  to  you,  and  of 
requesting  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  lay  them  before  the 
Court. 

If  you  have  no  objection,  my  dear  Sir,  to  receive  such  a 
letter  as  the  above,  and  to  present  it  with  the  papers  to  the 
Court,  I  will  send  them  in  as  soon  as  the  senate  meets. 

It  is  my  wish  that  in  case  the  court  should  refuse  to  hear  the 
suggestion  of  Insanity,  it  may  hereafter  appear  that  they  did 
so  with  proof  of  the  fact  before  them.  Yours  truly, 

ROB.  G.  HARPER. 
The  Vice  President 

P.S.  The  depositions  themselves,  except  one 
by  Judge  Terry  of  the  H.  M.  which  is  not 
yet  complete,  are  enclosed  for  your 
perusal. 

R.  G.  H. 
[Addressed]  The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States. 

JAMES  A.  WILKINSON  TO  AARON  BURR. 

To  save  time  of  which  I  need  much  and  have  but  little,  I 
propose  to  take  a  Bed  with  you  this  night,  if  it  may  be  done 
without  observation  or  intrusion — Answer  me  and  if  in  the 


••The  impeachment  of  John  Pickering  (1737-1805)  is  related  in  the  second  volume  of 
Henry  Adams'  History. 


83 

affirmative,  I  will  be  with  [you]  at  30'  after  the  8th  Hour, 

Yours  truly, 

J.  A.  WILKINSON. 
23rd  May  1804 
Col.  Burr. 

[Addressed]  The  Hon'ble  A.  Burr,  Richmond. 

LUTHER  MARTIN  TO  JOSEPH  ALSTON. 

RICHMOND,  26th  June,  1807. 

SIR, — I  have  the  painful  task  to  inform  you  that  my  much 
esteemed  friend,  Col.  Burr,  was  yesterday  committed  to 
Prison  in  consequence  of  a  Bill  for  Treason  being  found  by  the 
Grand  Jury  against  him.  I  arrived  here  the  evening  of  May 
twenty-seventh,  and  have  been  with  Col.  Burr  ever  since. 
Nor  shall  I  leave  him  until  his  Trial  is  at  end.  Never,  I 
believe,  did  any  Government  thirst  more  for  the  Blood  of  a 
victim  than  our  enligtend,  philosophic,  mild,  philanthropic 
Government  for  the  Blood  of  my  friend.  Two  Gentlemen, 
considered  here  of  the  first  talents,  are  employed  to  assist  in 
the  prosecution,  or,  as  it  may  be  truly  said,  the  persecution — 
and  the  unfeeling,  the  savage  manner  each  of  these  three97 
have  adopted,  in  the  course  of  the  prosecution,  would  dis- 
honor any  Beings  but  Demons  from  Hell.  That  Col.  Burr  is 
as  innocent  of  every  thing  of  a  treasonable  nature  as  the  child 
unborn  I  remain  fully  convinced,  that  he  never  had  any  object 
in  view,  but  what  did  honor  to  himself,  and  would  have  been 
greatly  useful  to  the  United  States,  and  to  all  Europe,  except 
France  and  Spain,  I  am  fully  convinced.  That  a  Bill  has  been 
found,  has  been  owing  to  the  Jury  not  being  well  informed 
what  facts  constitute  Treason,  and  to  gross  perjury  in  swear- 
ing to  facts  not  true.  We  feel  the  utmost  confidence  that  he 
will  be  acquitted  upon  his  Trial,  and  that  he  will  ultimately 
Triumph  over  that  malignant  jealousy  and  inveterate  hatred 
by  which  he  is  now  persecuted.  That  Government  ardently 
desire  to  destroy  Col.  Burr,  that  it  would  feel  no  more  com- 


•'George  Hay,  William  Wirt  and  Alexander  McRae.     On  Burr's  trial  in  Henry  Adams' 
History,  III,  441. 


84 

punction  in  taking  his  life,  that  that  with  which  a  philosopher 
views  a  rat  expiring,  with  convulsions,  at  the  bottom  [of]  an 
exhausted  receiver,  I  have  not  a  doubt.  And  I  am  confident 
that  Government  does  not  believe  him  to  have  been  guilty  of  a 
treasonable  act  or  design. 

Under  Col.  Burr's  present  situation,  you  may  be  assured, 
it  would  be  most  pleasing,  most  consolatory  to  him,  could  you 
visit  Richmond.  He  has  many  warm  friends  here  at  this  time, 
who  are  not,  and  have  not  been,  deterred  from  proving  their 
attachment  to  him  in  the  hour  of  adversity.  And  the  popular 
odium,  which  had  been  so  artfully  and  so  basely  excited  against 
him  has  greatly  decreased,  and  is  still  decreasing.  While 
Wilkinson  is  viewed  by  many  as  the  basest  of  villains.  Nay 
such  are  the  sentiments  of  the  Grand  Jury  concerning  him, 
that  they  were,  yesterday,  equally  divided  on  the  question,  of 
finding  a  Bill  against  him  for  Treason. 

Present  my  most  respectful  Compliments  to  your  amiable 
Lady — tell  her  my  Daughter,  Maria,  who  came  to  Richmond 
with  me,  and  who  shares  in  all  my  sollicitudes  for  the  fate  of 
Col.  Burr,  wishes  to  be  remembered  by  her — tell  her,  that,  for 
her  sake  as  well  as  her  father's,  all  the  professional  powers  I 
possess,  are  devoted  to  him,  with  all  the  zeal  and  ardency  of 
friendship — tell  her  that,  if  on  this  occasion  I  had  not  come 
forward  and  offered  my  aid, — my  services — every  exertion  of 
my  mind,  to  shield  him  from  his  Enemies,  I  should  have  felt 
myself  most  deservedly  liable  to  her  eternal  reproaches — 
and  finally  tell  her  she  has  my  fervent  prayers  for  her  happiness. 

You  will  forgive  this  intrusion  upon  you  by  a  person,  who 
has  not  the  honor  to  be  personally  known  to  you,  but  who  is 
with  sentiments  of  respect  and  esteem  for  you,  Your  very 
obedient  Servant, 

LUTHER  MARTIN. 
The  Hon'ble  Joseph  Alston. 


85 

THEODOSIA  BURR  ALSTON  TO  MRS  HERMAN 
BLENNERHASSETT.98 

Virginia,  Richmond,  Aug.  5th,  1807. 

It  was  with  great  regret,  my  dear  Friend,  that  I  learned  your 
determination  to  remain  at  Natchez;  we  had  been  told  that 
you  were  actually  on  your  way  hither;  so  well  authenticated 
was  this  report,  that  after  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Blennerhassett 
I  still  hoped  to  hear  from  him  that  you  were  not  far  off.  Your 
absence  is  the  more  to  be  regretted  as  you  might  without  any 
inconvenience  have  resided  with  Mr.  B — I  intended  to  have 
added  to  your  comforts  by  my  attentions,  and  hoped  to  have 
cheered  you  by  the  society  of  myself  and  friends. 

Mr.  B.  is  in  perfectly  good  health,  and  Mr  Alston  who  has 
visited  him  twice  since  his  arrival,  which  took  place  yesterday, 
assures  me  that  his  spirits  are  good.  The  rooms  in  which  he 
is  confined  are  very  comfortable,  they  were  occupied  by  my 
Father  till  within  a  few  days,  I  spent  several  days  and  one 
night  in  them;  they  are  cool,  clean  and  retired  from  all  un- 
pleasant company,  I  hope  however  that  in  a  few  days  I  shall 
be  able  to  give  you  more  pleasant  and  cheering  information. 
Do  not,  then,  suffer  yourself  to  be  depressed  by  apprehensions 
which  must  be  unfounded.  In  the  meantime  rest  assured 
that  nothing  shall  be  neglected  to  contribute  to  the  comfort  of 
your  Husband  in  his  present  situation  which,  however,  I 
repeat  it,  is  more  tolerable  than  you  may  imagine. 

Adieu — Kiss  your  little  ones  for  me.  That  Heaven  may 
shower  blessings  on  you  all  is  the  sincere  wish  of  your  affec- 
tionate 

T.  B.  ALSTON. 

My  Father's  trial  will  commence  in  a  few  days  and  we  look 
forward  to  it  with  all  the  cheerfulness  we  must  derive  from 
innocence  supported  by  talents; — for  some  of  the  most  eminent 
advocates  in  the  Union  have  volunteered  their  services  in  his 
cause. 

"Adeline  Agnew,  daughter  of  the  governor  of  the  Isle  of  Man,  married  Blennerhassett 
in  1796.  This  letter  crossed  one  from  Mrs.  Blennerhassett  to  her  husband,  August  3. 
1807,  saying:  "Apprise  Colonel  Burr  of  my  warmest  acknowledgments,  for  his  own  and 
Mrs.  Alston's  kind  remembrance;  and  tell  him  to  assure  her  she  has  inspired  me  with  a 
warmth  of  attachment  which  never  can  diminish.  I  wish  him  to  urge  her  to  write^to  me. " 
Quoted  in  Parton's,  "Life  of  Aaron  Burr,"  p.  501. 


86 

A.  PREVOST"  TO  AARON  BURR. 

WEYBRIDGE,  1  September,  [1808.] 

I  began  the  fear  that  you  had  returned  to  the  Antipodes, 
dear  Sir,  when  your  wellcome  letter  informed  me  of  your 
desirable  Situation;  I  apply 'd  to  the  Achards;100  they  say'd 
you  was  gone  out  of  Town;  had  changed  your  loddgings,  and 
did  not  know  your  address;  the  arrival  of  the  Packet  made  me 
more  anxious.  I  had  no  letters  from  Sir  George101  by  the  last 
Halifax  Mail;  but  my  Daughter  in  law,  Mrs.  James  Prevost, 
received  one  from  him,  dated  the  31st  July;  when  he  was 
preparing,  with  Sir  J.  B.  Warren102  to  go  to  various  parts  of 
Nova  Scotia,  in  a  Tour,  which  was  to  last  three  weeks,  at  the 
expiration  of  which  he  flattered  himself,  his  family  would 
arive,  which  unfortunately  cannot  be  having  only  sailed  from 
Portsmouth  the  17th  Ult. 

I  trust  to  your  promise  of  revisiting  Weybridge  soon;  where 
you  will  meet  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnett;  the  Gunns  have  enjoy'd  a 
whole  week  of  happiness  during  the  Egham  Races;  where  they 
went  every  days;  the  fetes  ended  with  a  ball,  to  which  the 
Dutchess  of  York  presided;  the  Dukes  of  York,  and  Cumber- 
land, having  been  the  Stewards;  I  supose  they  mett  the  other 
Duke,  tho  I  have  not  heard  it;  and  he  has  not  been  here  since; 
et  je  suis  privee  du  plaisir  de  vous  donner  le  denouement  de  la 
Piece',  Mrs.  Mallet,103  of  Brianston  Street,  has  lamented  her 
absance  from  it,  when  you  left  your  card,  she  was  then  in 
Hert  's,  and  is  now  in  London ;  I  believe  alone,  for  every  body 
is  out  of  it;  you'll  find  it  deserted  at  your  return;  the  general 
War  to  Partridges  begins  to  day;  some  unexpected  visitors 


"This  may  be  from  Anne  Prevost,  mother  of  Sir  George  Prevost.  She  was  Anne 
Grand,  daughter  of  Chevalier  George  Grand  of  Amsterdam  and  married  Augustine 
Prevost,  a  major-general  in  the  British  army.  Burr  had  been  at  Weybridge,  July  26. 
Diary,  I,  2. 

10°Madame  Achard  was  cousin  to  Frederick  Prevost,  son  of  Mrs.  Burr  by  her  first 
husband. 

lol(1767-1826),  who  in  1808  became  lieutenant-governor  and  commander-in-chief  of 
Nova  Scotia. 

John  Borlase  Warren  (1753-1822),  admiral  in  British  Navy, 
of  John  Lewis  Mallett,  a  second  cousin  of  Frederick  Prevost. 


87 

obliges  me  to  conclude,  and  gives  me  only  time  to  assure  you 
of  the  sincere  best  wishes  of,  Dear  Sir,  Your  obliged  humble 

Servant 

A.  PREVOST. 

[Addressed]  A  Burr  Esq.  at  J.  Bentham  Esqr.  near  Godstow, 
Barrow  green.104 

MARTIN  VAN  BUREN  TO  AARON  BURR. 

23  July  1814. 
DSir 

Your  polite  note  with  Hatsel  I  have  received  and  acknowl- 
edge my  obligation  for  your  particular  politeness  and  friendly 
solicitude.  I  shall  lodge  at  the  Eagle  Tavern  formerly  Greg- 
ories  now  Baird's,  where  I  should  be  happy  to  meet  you. 

Yours 

M.  V.  BUREN 
[Addressed]  Col.  A.  Burr,  N.  York. 

AARON  BURR  TO  JOSEPH  ARNOLD. 

NEW  YORK,  5  August,  1816. 

SIR, — Your  order  is  still  unpaid  and  the  gentlemen  on  whom 
it  is  drawn  preemptorily  refuse  to  pay.  I  thought  it  might  be 
necessary  for  your  justification  to  protest  it,  which  has  been 
done  as  you  have  been  many  days  since  advised  by  the  Notary. 

I  have  received  a  letter  from  Ransom  dated  30th  July, 
requesting  that  the  taxed  bills  may  be  reviewed  and  giving  me 
a  deal  of  advice  how  to  do  my  own  business.  I  am  really 
quite  ashamed  and  mortified  to  see  such  a  letter.  It  is  a  very 
trifling  and  silly  attempt  to  gain  a  little  time  and  to  impose  on 
me.  He  knew  perfectly  well  that  the  measures  he  pretends 
to  advise  were  unnecessary  and  if  necessary,  that  I  must  be 
much  better  informed  of  it  than  he  could  be.  My  bills  are 
against  him  and  not  against  Campbell.  Ransom  has  not 
answered  one  of  my  letters  for  the  last  six  months.  How 
often  have  I  bid  him  to  send  me  the  bond — and  yet  he  dares 
to  tell  me  that  he  wishes  to  [be?]  placed  in  a  situation  to  compel 


1MHe  went  to  Bentham  on  August  18th  and  again  on  the  26th.  remaining  over  the  29th. 
See  Burr,  Memoirs,  II,  414. 


Campbell  to  pay?  Why  then  does  he  not  send  me  the  bond* 
He  has  been  speculating  on  my  money  for  nearly  nine  months 
and  now  writes  me  a  letter  of  two  pages  without  a  word  from 
which  I  can  infer  that  he  ever  means  to  pay  me,  nor  do  I 
believe  that  he  does  if  he  can  any  way  avoid  it.  Whilst  the 
suit  was  pending  he  was  very  liberal  of  his  promises.  Now  he 
has  got  his  money,  he  seems  resolved  to  keep  it. 

If  I  should  not  by  return  of  mail  receive  the  money  or  a 
satisfactory  reply,  I  shall  not  write  again  and  he  may  blame 
himself  for  the  consequences.105  I  am  Sir  Your  humble  ser- 
vant, 

A.  BURR. 

Please  to  transmit  my  receipt  and  take  up  your  order. 
Joseph  Arnold,  Esqr.,  Pawlings  Town. 

JOHN  C.  CALHOUN  TO  MATTHEW  L.  DAVIS. 
DEPARTMENT  OF  WAR, 

January  6th.  1818. 
SIR, 

Enclosed  herewith,  you  will  receive  the  other  part  of  your 
Contract  for  the  supply  of  rations  to  the  troops  of  the  United 
States  within  the  States  of  Vermont,  New  York  and  New 
Jersey,  commencing  the  1st.  of  June  1818,  and  ending  the 
31st.  of  May  1819,  executed  on  the  part  of  the  government.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be,  Your  obt.  Servant, 

J.  C.  CALHOUN 


105Burr  first  wrote:     "I  beg  that  he  will  not  trouble  himself  to  give  me  any  more 
advice." 


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